Bonanza is an NBC produced western television series that ran on the NBC network from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series and still continues to air in syndication, The show centers around the Cartwright family, who live in the area near Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The show stars Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, and David Canary. The show's title "Bonanza" is a term used by miners in regards to a large vein or deposit of ore, and commonly refers to The Comstock Lode. In 2002,... Bonanza was ranked No. 43 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. The show chronicles the weekly adventures of the Cartwright family, headed by the thrice-widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright . He had three sons, each by a different wife: the eldest was the urbane architect Adam Cartwright who built the ranch house; the second was the warm and lovable giant Eric, "Hoss" ; and the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe" .
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| On the air: | 1959-1973 |
| Number of seasons: | 14 |
| Producer: | Thomas Thompson, David Dortort |
| Genre: | Western |