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The Big Valley

The Big Valley

19656
DramaWestern
Released
Sep 15, 1965
Countries
France, United States
The Big Valley is an American western television series which ran on ABC from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. The show stars Barbara Stanwyck, as the widow of a wealthy nineteenth century California rancher. It was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman, and produced by Levy-Gardner-Laven for Four Star Television.

About

Quick guide

American western drama about the Barkley family, led by widowed ranch owner Victoria Barkley.

The Big Valley follows the lives of Victoria Barkley, a determined widow, and her three children as they manage the sprawling Barkley Ranch in Stockton, California during the late 1870s. The series explores land disputes, railroad expansion, and community politics while portraying family loyalty and the challenges of a frontier ranch. Over 112 hour‑long episodes, the show blends action, moral conflict, and interpersonal drama, featuring a cast including Barbara Stanwyck, Peter Breck, and Dennis Weaver. Though set in a historical context, its storylines resonate with modern themes of power, justice, and resilience. The show ran on ABC from 1965 to 1969, a period when westerns were a staple of prime‑time television.

What to know

  • The series is set in late 1870s Stockton, California, during the railroad boom.
  • Victoria Barkley is the widowed matriarch of a wealthy ranching family.
  • The show centers on land disputes, railroad expansion, and community politics.
  • It features a mix of action, moral conflict, and family drama.
  • The cast includes Barbara Stanwyck, Peter Breck, Dennis Weaver, and other notable actors.
  • Episodes run one hour and explore themes of justice, power, and frontier life.
  • The series aired on ABC from 1965 to 1969, totaling 112 episodes.

Watch if

Watch The Big Valley if you enjoy character‑driven westerns that balance action with family drama, and if you appreciate thoughtful storytelling set in 19th‑century California, featuring strong performances from Barbara Stanwyck and a rich portrayal of frontier challenges.

Skip if

Skip The Big Valley if you prefer fast‑paced action with minimal dialogue, or if you dislike period dramas featuring mature themes, complex family dynamics, and political conflicts surrounding land ownership and railroad expansion.

mature themesfamily friendlydialogue heavysuspensefulpolitical themesromance elementsdark tone
Setting and Time Period
The series is set in Stockton, California, during the late 1870s, a period marked by rapid railroad expansion and growing tensions over land ownership. The town’s streets bustle with merchants, railroad workers, and ranchers, all vying for control of the region’s resources. By situating the story in this era, the show examines how frontier life shaped American society.
The Barkley Family
Central to the drama is Victoria Barkley, the widowed matriarch who balances her responsibilities as ranch owner with the needs of her three children, Jarrod, Heath, and Audra. Each child brings distinct strengths and conflicts to the family, from Jarrod’s leadership to Heath’s rebellious streak and Audra’s idealism. Together, they form a tight‑knit unit that faces external threats while protecting their legacy.
Main Themes
The show tackles themes of justice, power, and the cost of progress. Conflict over railroad rights, land claims, and community politics forces the Barkleys to confront moral dilemmas that test their loyalty. Romantic subplots add depth, while the harsh realities of the frontier highlight the darker aspects of human ambition and the struggle to maintain honor in a rapidly changing world.
Cast and Characters
Barbara Stanwyck delivers a commanding performance as Victoria, supported by Peter Breck as Jarrod, Dennis Weaver as Heath, and Maureen McCormick as Audra. Guest stars—including Lee Majors, William Shatner, and Jim Davis—appear in key episodes, adding variety to the cast. The ensemble’s chemistry grounds the series, making the family’s stories relatable and engaging.
Episode Structure
Each hour‑long episode follows a self‑contained storyline that often intersects with overarching plotlines. Episodes typically open with a conflict over land or a new character’s arrival, leading to confrontations, alliances, and moral decisions. The series balances action, dialogue, and family moments, ensuring that viewers stay invested in both the immediate drama and the broader saga.
Historical Context
The series reflects historical tensions between the railroad companies and local ranchers, mirroring real events such as the California land wars and the rise of the transcontinental railroad. By incorporating accurate historical details—like the 1876–1878 period and Stockton’s role—it grounds its drama in the socio‑economic forces that shaped the American West.

FAQ

42 Q&A
Were there any real historical events in The Big Valley?
The show was a made-up story and not based on real historical events, though it was set during the California Gold Rush era.
What is The Big Valley about?
It's a TV show about the Barkley family who own a big ranch in California and deal with problems and adventures.
Who played Nick Barkley?
Peter Breck played the role of Nick Barkley.
Who played Eugene Barkley?
The character of Eugene Barkley was played by Michael Ansara.
Who played Victoria Barkley?
Barbara Stanwyck played Victoria Barkley, the strong mother of the family.
Where was The Big Valley filmed?
It was filmed at the ABC Television Center in Hollywood, California, and on location in various parts of California.
Who was Barbara Stanwyck?
Barbara Stanwyck was a famous and respected actress who starred as Victoria Barkley in the show.
Was The Big Valley filmed in color?
Yes, The Big Valley was filmed and broadcast in color.
How many seasons of The Big Valley are there?
There were five seasons of The Big Valley.
What was the show's theme song?
The show had an instrumental theme song that was lively and fitting for a Western.
When did The Big Valley first air?
The Big Valley first aired on September 15, 1965.
Who played Heath Barkley?
Lee Majors played the character of Heath Barkley.
Did The Big Valley have a happy ending?
The series ended with the characters still facing challenges, so it wasn't a simple happy ending for everyone.
What happened to the characters in the final episode?
The final episode left the Barkley family's future open, with them continuing to face life's ups and downs.
What was the name of the Barkley ranch?
The Barkley ranch was called "The Big Valley."
Who were the villains in The Big Valley?
Villains varied from episode to episode and included outlaws, greedy land grabbers, and people with bad intentions.
Who are the main characters in The Big Valley?
The main characters were Victoria Barkley and her sons Jarrod, Nick, and Eugene, along with Heath Barkley.
Who played Jarrod Barkley?
Richard Long played the role of Jarrod Barkley.
Who played Oscar?
There was no main character named Oscar in The Big Valley.
What were common themes in The Big Valley episodes?
Common themes included family loyalty, justice, dealing with outlaws, and the challenges of running a large ranch.
Did any characters leave the show?
Yes, some actors and characters departed the show over its five seasons.
Who played Audra Barkley?
Audra Barkley was played by Linda Evans.
What kind of work did the Barkley family do?
They owned and ran a very large cattle ranch called 'The Big Valley'.
Where does The Big Valley take place?
The show is set in the fictional Stockton, California, during the 1860s.
What is the legacy of The Big Valley?
It is remembered as a popular Western drama with strong characters, especially Barbara Stanwyck's portrayal of Victoria Barkley.
What awards did The Big Valley win?
The Big Valley received several Emmy Award nominations and won one Emmy for its costume design in 1966. Barbara Stanwyck was nominated for an Emmy four times for her role as Victoria Barkley.
What kind of challenges did the Barkley family face?
The Barkley family dealt with many troubles, like land disputes, feuds with neighbors, family arguments, and the constant threat of outlaws and other dangers on their ranch.
What was the relationship between Victoria and Nick?
Victoria Barkley was Nick's mother, and they had a strong bond, though Nick sometimes disagreed with her decisions regarding the family and the ranch.
What were Heath's origins?
Heath Barkley was revealed to be the illegitimate son of Tom Barkley, the deceased husband of Victoria Barkley, making him a half-brother to Jarrod, Nick, and Eugene.
What was Audra's role in the family?
Audra Barkley was the youngest daughter of Victoria Barkley. She was often portrayed as spirited and sometimes rebellious, but she loved her family and was involved in their lives.
What historical periods does The Big Valley cover?
The Big Valley is set in the 1860s and 1870s during the post-Civil War era in California, focusing on the growth of the American West.
Were there any romantic relationships on the show?
Yes, romantic relationships were a recurring part of the show, with various characters, including Audra, Jarrod, and Heath, experiencing romances that often led to dramatic storylines.
Who were the most memorable guest stars?
Many famous actors appeared as guest stars on The Big Valley, including Bette Davis, Maudie Prater, and Dale Robertson, who played various characters that interacted with the Barkley family.
What are some famous lines from The Big Valley?
A well-known line often associated with the show is Victoria Barkley's declaration, "I am Victoria Barkley, and this is my land," emphasizing her strength and connection to the ranch.
What was the relationship between Jarrod and Nick?
Jarrod and Nick Barkley were brothers. Jarrod was often seen as the more thoughtful and legal-minded of the two, while Nick could be more hot-headed and impulsive.
Did Heath ever find his parents?
Heath Barkley did eventually learn that Tom Barkley was his father, but his mother's identity and whereabouts remained a complex part of his storyline, and he never truly had a relationship with her.
How did Eugene fit into the Barkley family?
Eugene Barkley was the youngest son of Victoria Barkley. He was often depicted as intelligent and sensitive, sometimes serving as a moral compass for his older brothers.
What was the overall tone of The Big Valley?
The show generally had a dramatic and sometimes melodramatic tone, combining elements of Western adventure, family saga, and social issues of the time.
Were there any spin-offs of The Big Valley?
No, there were no official spin-off series created from The Big Valley.
What was the relationship between Victoria and Jarrod?
Victoria Barkley was Jarrod's mother, and they shared a close relationship. Jarrod often respected his mother's judgment, though he sometimes pursued his own path as a lawyer.
Who wrote the theme music for The Big Valley?
The memorable theme music for The Big Valley was composed by Bill D. Smith and George Duning.
Why was The Big Valley popular?
The Big Valley was popular due to its strong female lead in Barbara Stanwyck, compelling family drama, exciting Western action, and its exploration of themes relevant to the American West.

Actors

Barbara Stanwyck
Barbara Stanwyck
Victoria Barkley
Richard Long
Richard Long
Jarrod Barkley
Peter Breck
Peter Breck
Nick Barkley
Lee Majors
Lee Majors
Heath Barkley
Linda Evans
Linda Evans
Audra Barkley