Season
Episode
Player server
Cheyenne

Cheyenne

19556
DramaWestern
Released
Sep 20, 1955
Country
United States
Production
Warner Bros. Television
Cheyenne Bodie was a big man, a former army scout who went west after the American Civil War and drifted from job to job, here a cowboy, there a lawman, and always a larger-than-life hero. CHEYENNE is an American western television series of 108 black-and-white episodes broadcast on ABC from 1955 to 1963. The show was the first hour-long western, and in fact the first hour-long dramatic series of any kind, with continuing characters, to last more than one season. It was also the first series to be made by a major Hollywood film studio which did not derive from its established film properties, and the first of a long chain of Warner Brothers original series produced by William T. Orr.

About

Quick guide

Cheyenne is a pioneering 1955‑62 hour‑long Western that follows the drifter Cheyenne Bodie across the post‑Civil War frontier.

Cheyenne follows former army scout Cheyenne Bodie as he roams the American West after the Civil War, taking on a variety of jobs—from cowboy to lawman—while confronting outlaws and seeking adventure. Starring Clint Walker, the series ran for seven seasons and 108 black‑and‑white hour‑long episodes on ABC, making it the first hour‑long Western and the first hour‑long dramatic series of any kind to survive more than one season. The show blends rugged frontier action with moral storytelling, and features recurring sidekick Smitty in its early episodes. Though filmed in California, its stories cover the vast frontier, offering a mix of moral dilemmas and frontier justice that resonated with audiences of the era.

What to know

  • First hour‑long Western series on television.
  • 108 black‑and‑white episodes aired on ABC between 1955 and 1962.
  • Clint Walker starred as the titular Cheyenne Bodie.
  • Early episodes featured sidekick Smitty played by L.Q. Jones.
  • During a 1958–1959 strike, a substitute character Bronco Layne appeared.
  • Runtime ranged from 41‑43 minutes in season one to 50‑52 minutes in later seasons.
  • The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, a first for a non‑film‑property show.
  • Episodes focused on the hero taking on various frontier occupations.

Watch if

Cheyenne is a must‑watch for fans of classic Westerns who enjoy a lone, morally upright hero navigating the frontier in hour‑long tales of justice and adventure. Its blend of action, character depth, and period‑authentic storytelling makes for engaging viewing.

Skip if

Skip Cheyenne if you prefer modern production values, high‑definition visuals, or if 1950s pacing and occasional period‑inappropriate dialogue feel off‑kilter. The black‑and‑white format may also feel dated to some viewers.

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Premise & Setting
Cheyenne follows former army scout Cheyenne Bodie as he roams the American West after the Civil War. Each hour‑long episode places him in a new town, taking on a variety of jobs—from cowboy to deputy marshal—while confronting outlaws and standing up for justice. The series blends rugged frontier action with moral storytelling, painting a portrait of a drifter who seeks adventure and a sense of belonging across the frontier.
Main Character
Cheyenne Bodie, portrayed by Clint Walker, is a physically imposing yet gentle protagonist who embodies the archetypal Western hero. Raised partly by the Cheyenne Indians after losing his parents, he carries a respectful attitude toward Native Americans and a strong moral compass. Throughout the series, Bodie navigates various roles—cowboy, prospector, marshal—while remaining a consistent moral anchor in the shifting frontier landscape.
Production History
Produced by Warner Bros. Television, Cheyenne debuted as part of the studio’s ‘Warner Bros. Presents’ rotating wheel. It was the first hour‑long Western and the first hour‑long drama to last more than one season. The series was filmed in California, using studio sets that replicated the American West, and ran for seven seasons from 1955 to 1962, with 108 black‑and‑white episodes.
Episode Structure
Each episode follows a self‑contained storyline, with Cheyenne taking on a new occupation or confronting a local conflict. The hour‑long format allows for deeper character moments and more elaborate plot twists than the standard 30‑minute Western. Recurring guest stars often play townsfolk or adversaries, creating a varied tapestry of frontier life across the 108 episodes.
Cultural Impact
Cheyenne paved the way for hour‑long Westerns, influencing later series like Bonanza and Maverick. It demonstrated that a single heroic figure could sustain a long‑running drama in a genre that had traditionally favored 30‑minute formats. The show’s blend of action, moral quandaries, and character development left a lasting imprint on American television history.
Legacy & Availability
Cheyenne remains a classic Western that can be found on DVD collections and streaming platforms that specialize in vintage television. The Warner Archive Series releases each season on DVD‑R, while select episodes appear in ‘Best Of’ compilations. Its historical significance as the first hour‑long Western makes it a reference point for television scholars.
Where to Watch
The series is available on several DVD sets released by Warner Home Video, covering all seven seasons. Some episodes can also be streamed through specialty services that offer classic Westerns, though availability varies by region. Fans can also find Cheyenne on cable networks that air classic television programming.

FAQ

25 Q&A
What is Cheyenne about?
Cheyenne follows former army scout Cheyenne Bodie as he wanders the American West after the Civil War, taking on various jobs and confronting outlaws. It is a story of frontier justice and adventure. 【7†L59-L62】
Who played Cheyenne Bodie?
Clint Walker portrayed Cheyenne Bodie throughout the series, bringing a strong presence to the role. 【7†L59-L61】
How many seasons and episodes?
Cheyenne ran for seven seasons with a total of 108 black‑and‑white episodes, all hour‑long in length. 【7†L46-L48】
When did the show first air?
The series premiered on ABC on September 20, 1955, marking the start of a long-running Western. 【7†L33-L34】
What makes Cheyenne unique among Westerns?
It was the first hour‑long Western and the first hour‑long dramatic series of any kind to last more than one season, setting a new standard for TV Westerns. 【7†L46-L49】
Was Cheyenne a spin‑off of any series?
Cheyenne was an original Warner Bros. production; during a 1958–1959 hiatus, the character Bronco Layne filled in, later leading to the spin‑off series 'Bronco'.【7†L52-L53】【7†L121-L124】
Did Cheyenne ever go to color?
All episodes were produced in black‑and‑white, a hallmark of early television. 【7†L46-L48】
Where can I watch Cheyenne?
Cheyenne is available on DVD via Warner Archive Collection, and some streaming services offer selected episodes of this classic Western. 【7†L180-L184】
What is the runtime per episode?
Season one ran 41–43 minutes, while seasons two through seven ran 50–52 minutes, giving each episode a substantial runtime. 【7†L30-L32】
Who were recurring sidekicks?
Early episodes featured sidekick Smitty, played by L.Q. Jones, who accompanied Cheyenne for the first few stories. 【7†L42-L44】
Why did Clint Walker leave for a strike?
Walker went on strike in 1958–1959 demanding better residuals, a reduced cut of payments, and a release from the music contract, leading to a temporary absence from the show. 【7†L115-L118】
What happened during Walker's absence?
During the strike, a character named Bronco Layne, played by Ty Hardin, took on a leading role, keeping the series running until Walker returned. 【7†L121-L124】
Was there a character named Smitty?
Yes, Smitty was Cheyenne’s sidekick in the first three episodes, portrayed by L.Q. Jones. 【7†L42-L44】
Is there a season where the hero is a lawman?
Cheyenne takes on various law‑related roles, such as Deputy U.S. Marshal and city marshal, throughout the series. 【7†L62-L64】
Did Cheyenne win any awards?
The series was a co‑winner of the 1957 Golden Globe Award for Television Achievement, recognizing its impact. 【7†L195-L196】
How did the show influence later Westerns?
Cheyenne proved that a single hero could sustain an hour‑long Western, paving the way for shows like Bonanza and Maverick, and changing audience expectations. 【7†L46-L49】【7†L107-L111】
Who directed the episodes?
Episodes were directed by a variety of filmmakers, including Richard L. Bare, Leslie H. Martinson, and others, ensuring diverse storytelling. 【7†L121-L128】
Was Cheyenne filmed on location?
The series was filmed in California on studio sets that replicated the American West, a common practice for early TV Westerns. 【7†L30-L32】
Are there DVD releases available?
Warner Home Video released each season on DVD, with the first season available on DVD‑R and later seasons in the Warner Archive Collection. 【7†L180-L184】
Did Cheyenne have a crossover with other shows?
An episode titled 'A Man Named Ragan' served as a pilot for 'The Dakotas', linking Cheyenne to that subsequent series. 【7†L203-L209】
Where was the show produced?
Cheyenne was produced by Warner Bros. Television in California, reflecting the studio’s commitment to original content. 【7†L30-L32】
Did Cheyenne portray Native American characters respectfully?
Cheyenne’s protagonist was raised by Cheyenne Indians, and the series portrayed Native Americans with a generally respectful attitude. 【7†L61-L66】
Is there a modern reboot?
There has been no recent reboot; Cheyenne remains a classic from the 1950s, with no contemporary revival announced. 【7†L46-L48】
Does the show portray frontier justice?
Cheyenne consistently confronts outlaws and delivers justice, embodying frontier law in each episode. 【7†L59-L64】
What is the legacy of Cheyenne in television history?
Cheyenne was the first hour‑long Western, demonstrating that a single hero could sustain a long series and influencing subsequent Western dramas. 【7†L46-L49】

Actors

Clint Walker
Clint Walker
Cheyenne Bodie