From SlashFilm · Joe Roberts · · 50s
Rural Purge Canceled Western Shows
CBS canceled rural Western shows during 1970s TV shift.
In brief
CBS canceled rural Western shows during 1970s TV shift. CBS canceled Western shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza during the 1970s rural purge. Originally reported by SlashFilm.
Rural Purge Begins
CBS canceled rural Western shows during 1970s TV shift.
Gunsmoke Canceled
Gunsmoke ended its 20-year run in 1975 after CBS canceled it.
Rural Comedy Surge
CBS aired rural comedies like The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s.
Fred Silverman's Role
CBS programming chief Fred Silverman canceled rural shows after they lost younger viewers.
The High Chaparral
The High Chaparral ended in March 1971 after CBS canceled it.
Rural Purge Impact
Western shows like The Virginian and Bonanza were canceled during the rural purge.
The big picture
CBS canceled Western shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza during the 1970s rural purge.
