
Have Gun, Will Travel
About
A 1957–1963 CBS Western that blends mystery, action and a gentleman gunfighter‑for‑hire.
Have Gun – Will Travel follows Paladin, a cultured gunfighter‑for‑hire who travels the Old West, solving client problems and often helping the poor free of charge. The show opens with Paladin’s iconic business card and ends with a folk‑style ballad. It ran for six seasons and 225 episodes, ranking among CBS’s top Nielsen ratings for four consecutive years. The series was created by Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow, with a writing team that includes Gene Roddenberry. A rare TV show to launch a successful radio spin‑off, it remains a staple of classic Western television.
What to know
- Paladin charges $1,000 per job but offers free service to the needy.
- The series ran six seasons, 225 episodes.
- Gene Roddenberry wrote 24 episodes.
- It spawned a successful radio version that debuted in 1958.
- Every episode opens with Paladin’s business card and chess‑knight motif.
- Paladin is a former Union cavalry officer, educated and multilingual.
- Episodes run about 25 minutes.
- The show aired on CBS Saturdays at 9:30 p.m..
Watch if
If you enjoy Westerns that blend detective work, witty banter, and memorable gun‑fighting with a touch of class, this series offers engaging plots and a charismatic lead.
Skip if
If you prefer lighthearted comedy, high‑energy modern action, or shows without a strong moral backbone, you may find this series too slow or too grounded in 19th‑century law‑and‑order.
Premise & Characters
Production & Writing
Broadcast & Ratings
Legacy & Influence
Available Media
Behind the Scenes
Audience Reception
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FAQ
Who is Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel?
What is Paladin's signature weapon?
Who are the main recurring characters in Have Gun Will Travel?
What is Paladin's real name?
Does Paladin have any moral dilemmas?
What is the significance of the black pawn on Paladin's business card?
What is Have Gun Will Travel about?
What is the tone of Have Gun Will Travel?
What is the main premise of Have Gun Will Travel?
What does Paladin's business card say?
How many seasons of Have Gun Will Travel were there?
Does Paladin have a love interest?
What kind of cases does Paladin take?
Who starred in Have Gun Will Travel?
What are some memorable episodes of Have Gun Will Travel?
Is Have Gun Will Travel based on a true story?
What is the relationship between Paladin and Hey Boy?
What are the common themes in Have Gun Will Travel?
How did Paladin get his start?
What network was Have Gun Will Travel on?
What are the criticisms of Have Gun Will Travel?
When did Have Gun Will Travel first air?
What is the legacy of Have Gun Will Travel?
Where does Paladin operate?
Who created Have Gun Will Travel?
Where can I watch Have Gun, Will Travel now?
Are there any spin-offs of Have Gun, Will Travel?
What is Paladin's background before becoming a gunfighter?
What influenced Have Gun, Will Travel?
What was the budget for Have Gun, Will Travel?
Who wrote the theme music for Have Gun, Will Travel?
Who were the main antagonists faced by Paladin?
What is the historical context of Have Gun, Will Travel?
Is Have Gun, Will Travel available on DVD?
What makes Paladin a unique Western character?
What is the overall message of Have Gun, Will Travel?
Does Paladin ever retire?
How did the Civil War affect Paladin?
What awards did Have Gun, Will Travel win?
Was Have Gun, Will Travel popular during its run?
What are the differences between the radio and TV versions of Have Gun, Will Travel?
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