Gunsmoke aired on the television network CBS for 20 seasons between 1955 and 1975. However, the cancelation surprised the cast and crew, who didn’t see it coming. An entire 12 years later, Gunsmoke returned in the form of movies made for television. This decision revived the beloved Western series for five films. Here’s a look at the IMDb ratings from worst to best.
5. ‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ (1987) L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell | CBS
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge was the first of the made-for-tv movies, but it’s also the worst-rated with a 6.9 audience score.
It saw James Arness and Amanda Blake reprise their roles of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty Russell. Return to Dodge is a continuation of season 14 episode 17 – “Mannon.” It isn’t the fans’ favorite, but they still enjoyed it as a reunion film after so many years. Unfortunately, it...
5. ‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ (1987) L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell | CBS
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge was the first of the made-for-tv movies, but it’s also the worst-rated with a 6.9 audience score.
It saw James Arness and Amanda Blake reprise their roles of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty Russell. Return to Dodge is a continuation of season 14 episode 17 – “Mannon.” It isn’t the fans’ favorite, but they still enjoyed it as a reunion film after so many years. Unfortunately, it...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Long-running television shows frequently have to roll with the punches and figure out ways to keep audiences wanting to tune in. Gunsmoke made Ken Curtis’ Festus Haggen a series regular to replace Dennis Weaver’s beloved Chester Goode after he left to pursue other acting opportunities. However, Curtis refused to return for the first made-for-tv Gunsmoke movie after its 20-season run because of a couple of serious disagreements with a producer.
‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ reintroduced audiences to Dodge City Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke met its end on CBS in 1975 after a surprise cancelation that the cast and crew didn’t see coming. The network returned the world back to Dodge City in 1987 with the first made-for-tv movie for the series subtitled Return to Dodge. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon actor James Arness and Miss Kitty Russell star Amanda Blake both came back.
The...
‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ reintroduced audiences to Dodge City Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke met its end on CBS in 1975 after a surprise cancelation that the cast and crew didn’t see coming. The network returned the world back to Dodge City in 1987 with the first made-for-tv movie for the series subtitled Return to Dodge. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon actor James Arness and Miss Kitty Russell star Amanda Blake both came back.
The...
- 2/6/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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