Season
Episode
Player server
Bonanza

Bonanza

19598
DramaWesternFamilyAction & Adventure
Released
Sep 12, 1959
Country
United States
Productions
NBCNBC Studios
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.

About

Quick guide

Bonanza follows the Cartwright family as they run and protect their ranch while serving the nearby community.

Bonanza is an American western drama that aired from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. The series ran 14 seasons and 431 hour‑long episodes, making it NBC’s longest‑running western. Set in the 1860s, it chronicles the weekly adventures of Ben Cartwright and his three sons—Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—who live on the Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City, Nevada, by Lake Tahoe. The show blends family dynamics with frontier justice and tackles contemporary social issues in a period‑driven format, offering a mix of action, drama, and moral storytelling. While the series includes gunfights and occasional violence, it remains largely family‑friendly, with a focus on community and character development.

What to know

  • 14 seasons, 431 episodes
  • Runtime: 49–50 minutes (no commercials)
  • Set at the Ponderosa Ranch, a thousand‑square‑mile property near Lake Tahoe
  • Main cast: Lorne Greene (Ben), Pernell Roberts (Adam), Dan Blocker (Hoss), Michael Landon (Little Joe)
  • Family‑friendly with occasional gunfire and some gore
  • Addressed social issues such as racism, anti‑war sentiment, and domestic violence
  • Produced in color and filmed on location in Nevada and California
  • Theme song “Bonanza” by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston

Watch if

If you appreciate classic westerns that blend family drama with frontier justice, enjoy a strong ensemble cast, and are open to mild violence and moral dilemmas, Bonanza offers a compelling 14‑season experience that set the standard for the genre.

Skip if

If you dislike gunfights, historical drama, or content that occasionally contains mild violence and complex social issues, this show may not match your preferences.

family friendlydialogue heavymature themespolitical themesintense actionsome goresuspenseful
Premise and Setting
The show follows Ben Cartwright and his three sons—Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—who run the expansive Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City, Nevada. Each episode presents a new frontier challenge, from outlaws to town disputes, while the family remains a pillar of the surrounding community.
Main Characters
Ben is a stoic patriarch; Adam is a sophisticated architect; Hoss is a gentle giant; Little Joe is spirited and quick‑to‑action. Supporting roles include Cook Hop Sing and Sheriff Roy Coffee, who often partner with the Cartwrights on local matters.
Themes and Tone
Bonanza balances western action with family drama, tackling issues such as racism, war, and domestic abuse, all while maintaining a generally family‑friendly tone.
Production History
Created by David Dortort, the series was produced in color and shot on location in Nevada and California. Its 14‑season run from 1959 to 1973 made it NBC’s longest‑running western.
Cultural Impact
The series set the template for future westerns and family dramas. Its theme song, storyline depth, and character arcs have left a lasting legacy in American television.
Where to Watch
Bonanza is available on multiple streaming platforms and as a complete DVD set. It continues to appear in syndication and on classic‑TV channels worldwide.

FAQ

40 Q&A
Where was Bonanza filmed?
Bonanza was filmed in the United States, primarily on location in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, California, and also at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
What was Pernell Roberts' reason for leaving Bonanza?
Pernell Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright, left Bonanza because he wanted to pursue other acting roles and felt the show had become too repetitive.
Did they ever show the Cartwrights' mother?
Yes, the Cartwrights' mother, Elizabeth Cartwright, was shown in flashbacks and mentioned in the series. She died before the show began.
Were there any spin-offs of Bonanza?
Yes, there was a spin-off of Bonanza called "The Ponderosa," which focused on the early days of the Cartwright family and their ranch.
Who was the villain in the Bonanza finale?
The Bonanza finale, titled 'The Hunter,' did not feature a single overarching villain. Instead, it focused on a complex plot involving land disputes and a man seeking revenge.
Who played Little Joe Cartwright?
Little Joe Cartwright was played by Michael Landon.
What year did Bonanza start?
Bonanza started in 1959.
What was the Ponderosa ranch like?
The Ponderosa ranch was a vast, privately owned estate in the Nevada Territory, featuring a large ranch house, extensive timberland, and grazing areas for cattle. It was the heart of the Cartwright family's enterprises.
What kind of dog did the Cartwrights have?
The Cartwrights did not have a regular or named dog as a recurring character on the show.
Did Hoss Cartwright die on the show?
Yes, Hoss Cartwright died on the show in the episode "The Deserter" during the final season.
Who was the oldest Cartwright son?
The oldest Cartwright son was Adam Cartwright, played by Pernell Roberts.
How many episodes of Bonanza were made?
Bonanza had a total of 431 episodes.
Did Lorne Greene sing on Bonanza?
Yes, Lorne Greene, who played Ben Cartwright, occasionally sang on Bonanza, and he also released a music album.
What was the main theme of Bonanza?
The main theme of Bonanza was the adventures and challenges of the Cartwright family as they owned and operated the Ponderosa ranch in the American West. It explored themes of family, morality, and justice.
Was there a Bonanza movie?
Yes, there were three made-for-television movies following the series: "Bonanza: The Next Generation," "Bonanza: The Return to Ponderosa," and "Bonanza: Under Attack."
How did Ben Cartwright die?
Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the family, did not die during the original run of the series. He was still alive when the show ended.
Did the actors get along on set?
Reports suggest that the actors on Bonanza generally had a good working relationship, though like any long-running show, there were likely occasional disagreements.
Who was the mother of the Cartwright boys?
The mother of the Cartwright boys was Elizabeth Cartwright. She passed away before the events of the series began.
What was the name of the Cartwright's cook?
The Cartwright's cook was Hop Sing, played by Victor Sen Yung.
What was the last episode of Bonanza called?
The last episode of Bonanza was called "The Hunter."
What was the most popular season of Bonanza?
Bonanza was consistently popular, but its peak popularity and highest ratings were in the mid-1960s, with seasons 6 and 7 often cited as being among its most successful.
Did Hop Sing have a family on the show?
Hop Sing did not have a family that was a regular part of the show's narrative. He was primarily depicted as the Cartwrights' loyal cook.
What happened to the Cartwright family?
The Cartwright family continued to run the Ponderosa ranch. While individual members faced various perils throughout the series, the core family unit persisted until the show's conclusion.
What was Adam Cartwright's story arc?
Adam Cartwright's story arc often involved his role as the eldest son, responsible and thoughtful, dealing with his father's business and personal challenges. He left the series to pursue other opportunities.
What year did Bonanza end?
Bonanza ended in 1973.
Who was Candy Canaday?
Candy Canaday was a ranch hand on the Ponderosa. He was played by David Canary. He was a skilled rider and a loyal friend to the Cartwrights.
What was the Cartwrights' family business?
The Cartwrights owned and ran the Ponderosa Ranch. It was a large cattle ranch in Nevada.
What were the common themes in Bonanza episodes?
Bonanza episodes often dealt with themes like family, justice, and morality. They also explored issues like prejudice and the challenges of the Old West.
What was the biggest challenge for the Cartwrights?
The Cartwrights faced many challenges, including outlaws, harsh weather, and land disputes. They also had to deal with personal conflicts within the family.
Did Adam Cartwright get married?
Yes, Adam Cartwright got married during the series. His wife was named directly after his mother, Laura Ingalls Wilder.
What happened to Joe Cartwright after the show?
Joe Cartwright, also known as "Little Joe," continued to live and work on the Ponderosa after the show ended. He was the youngest son.
What was the relationship between Hoss and Joe?
Hoss and Joe were brothers and had a close relationship. Hoss was the middle son, and Joe was the youngest. They often looked out for each other.
Did any guest stars become famous from Bonanza?
Yes, several actors who appeared on Bonanza later became famous. These included Bruce Dern and Leonard Nimoy.
What was the network that aired Bonanza?
Bonanza aired on the NBC network.
Did the actors ever get injured filming Bonanza?
Yes, there were some injuries during filming. Pernell Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright, broke his ankle during a scene.
Were the Cartwrights based on a real family?
No, the Cartwrights were not based on a real family. They were fictional characters created for the show.
How did the show handle historical events?
Bonanza often incorporated historical events and figures into its storylines. It aimed to reflect the spirit and challenges of the American West during that period.
Who was the most controversial character on Bonanza?
There wasn't one single character universally considered the most controversial. Different characters might have been perceived differently by various viewers due to their actions or beliefs.
What was the name of the town near the Ponderosa?
The main town near the Ponderosa was Virginia City, Nevada.
What was the audience reaction to the ending?
The show ended its run due to declining ratings and the death of Dan Blocker, who played Hoss. The ending was not a planned conclusion for the characters' storylines.

Actors

Lorne Greene
Lorne Greene
Ben Cartwright
Michael Landon
Michael Landon
Joe Cartwright
David Canary
David Canary
Candy Canaday
Tim Matheson
Tim Matheson
Griff King
Mitch Vogel
Mitch Vogel
Jamie Hunter Cartwright