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Maverick

Maverick

19577
KomediWestern
Utgitt
22. sep. 1957
Land
USA
Produksjon
Warner Bros. Television
Maverick-barnene – Bret, Bart, Beau og Brent – er en gjeng velkledde dandier, spillere som foretrekker å spille kort fremfor å ødelegge sine fine klær med faktisk arbeid. Sløser og kloke, ingen av Mavericks er særlig for modige handlinger, men de kan være modige når situasjonen krever det. Ofte lever de imidlertid av sin kløkt og betydelig sjarm.

About

Quick guide

A 1950s western comedy about two poker‑playing brothers who outwit trouble wherever they go.

Maverick follows Bret and Bart Maverick, dapper gamblers who travel the American frontier, taking on high‑stakes games, con artists, and moral dilemmas with wit and charm. Created by Roy Huggins, the series blends classic western tropes with quick dialogue and a light tone, showing the brothers’ reluctance for violence but willingness to act when needed. Over five seasons, the show alternated leads, adding cousin Beau and brother Brent while keeping the focus on clever schemes rather than gunplay.

What to know

  • 5 seasons, 124 episodes aired 1957‑1962 on ABC.
  • Stars James Garner (Bret), Jack Kelly (Bart), Roger Moore (Beau), and Robert Colbert (Brent).
  • Runtime about 60 minutes per episode.
  • Created by Roy Huggins and produced by Warner Bros. Television.
  • Mixes Western adventure with comedic overtones and witty poker play.
  • Episodes often feature con artists, riverboat drama, and moral choices.
  • Shows rely on dialogue and charm over action‑heavy set pieces.
  • Available on DVD and various streaming platforms.

Watch if

If you enjoy light‑hearted Westerns where sharp dialogue, poker games, and clever character dynamics rule, Maverick offers a satisfying mix of adventure and humor in a classic 1950s setting.

Skip if

If you prefer gritty, action‑driven Westerns with frequent gunfights, or deep dramatic tension, this series’ emphasis on wit and low violence may not meet your expectations.

light tonedialogue heavyfamily friendlycrime violencesuspenseful
Premise
Maverick centers on Bret and Bart Maverick, traveling poker players who prefer high‑stakes games over hard work. They move from town to town, outwitting con artists, gamblers, and sometimes lawmen, all while maintaining a sharp wit and avoiding unnecessary violence. The show balances classic Western settings with comedy, keeping the stakes high yet humorous.
Main Characters
Bret Maverick, played by James Garner, is a smooth‑talking poker ace. His brother Bart, portrayed by Jack Kelly, is equally clever but more dramatic. After Garner’s departure, Roger Moore joined as cousin Beau, and Robert Colbert appeared as brother Brent. Each brings a distinct personality, but all share a love for card games and a knack for charm.
Format & Style
Episodes run about an hour, often alternating lead actors to keep production fast. The series mixes light humor with occasional moral dilemmas, using sharp dialogue and realistic poker scenes. Violence is minimal, with the Mavericks preferring negotiation or escape over gunplay, creating a unique blend of Western adventure and comedic banter.
Notable Episodes
Famous installments include “Shady Deal at Sunny Acres,” where Bret and Bart con a crooked banker, and “Duel at Sundown,” featuring Clint Eastwood as a tough gunman. Episodes frequently involve high‑stakes poker, riverboat drama, and clever twists, showcasing the Mavericks’ resourcefulness and wit.
Production & Creators
Creator Roy Huggins developed the concept, inspired by a poker scene in the 1955 film Conflict. Warner Bros. Television produced the series, with directors like Budd Boetticher and Robert Altman contributing early episodes. The show’s quick pacing and witty script were hallmarks of Huggins’ approach.
Cultural Impact
Maverick broke ratings records against top shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show. It influenced later Westerns by blending humor with frontier drama, inspiring spin‑offs such as The New Maverick and Bret Maverick, and leaving a legacy of smart, charismatic characters.
Where to Watch
The complete series is available on DVD, with all five seasons released through Warner Archive. Streaming options include Amazon Prime Video and other digital platforms, making it easy to revisit the classic series in its original 60‑minute format.

FAQ

51 Q&A
When did the TV series end?
The TV series Maverick ended in 1962.
Did Maverick get his money back from Annabelle?
Yes, Maverick got his money back from Annabelle.
What are the main character names in Maverick?
The main characters are Bret Maverick, Bart Maverick, and Beau Maverick.
How many episodes of Maverick were there?
There were 124 episodes of Maverick.
What is Maverick's lucky shirt?
Maverick's lucky shirt is a red silk shirt.
What genre is Maverick?
Maverick is a Western comedy.
What is the plot of Maverick?
Maverick is about a gambler named Bret Maverick who travels the West having adventures and playing poker.
Who played Bret Maverick?
Bret Maverick was played by James Garner and Jack Kelly.
Who played Bart Maverick?
Bart Maverick was played by Jack Kelly.
Who created Maverick?
The TV series Maverick was created by Roy Huggins.
Who played Beau Maverick?
Beau Maverick was played by Robert Colbert.
Who played Brent Maverick?
Brent Maverick was played by Michael Dante.
What happened to the stage driver in Maverick?
The stage driver in Maverick was tricked out of his money by Bret Maverick.
What was the agreement between Marshal Cooper and Commodore Duvall?
The agreement between Marshal Cooper and Commodore Duvall was that they would work together to catch a thief.
Who is Marshal Cooper in Maverick?
Marshal Cooper is a lawman who often interacts with Maverick.
What happened at the end of the movie Maverick?
At the end of the movie Maverick, Bret Maverick wins a poker game and gets his money back.
Why did Cooper double cross Duvall?
Cooper did not double cross Duvall. They were working together.
What is the relationship between Marshal Cooper and Maverick?
Marshal Cooper and Maverick are sometimes allies and sometimes adversaries, depending on the situation.
When did the TV series first air?
The TV series Maverick first aired on September 22, 1957.
How did Maverick get his money back from Annabelle?
Maverick got his money back from Annabelle through a poker game.
What was the name of the TV series?
The name of the TV series was Maverick.
Who are the main actors in Maverick?
The main actors in Maverick were James Garner, Jack Kelly, and Robert Colbert.
How many seasons of Maverick were there?
There were five seasons of Maverick.
What is Maverick about?
Maverick is about the adventures of a poker player named Bret Maverick.
What network aired the TV series?
The TV series Maverick aired on ABC.
Who played Carole Bradshaw in Top Gun?
Carole Bradshaw in the movie Top Gun was played by Jennifer Connelly.
Who played Dandy Jim Buckley?
Dandy Jim Buckley was played by Bob Denver.
What is the meaning of 'They're called orders' in Top Gun: Maverick?
In Top Gun: Maverick, 'They're called orders' means that pilots must follow instructions from their superiors, even if they disagree. It highlights the strict hierarchy and discipline within the Navy.
What happened to Rooster's mother in Top Gun: Maverick?
Rooster's mother, Carole Bradshaw, died before the events of Top Gun: Maverick. The exact cause of her death is not explicitly stated in the film, but it is implied to have been some time prior to Maverick's return.
Who is Penny's ex-husband?
Penny Benjamin's ex-husband is not explicitly named in Top Gun: Maverick. However, it is mentioned that she has a history with him and that he is a reason she is hesitant to get involved with Maverick again.
Did Maverick retire at the end of Top Gun 2?
At the end of Top Gun: Maverick, Maverick does not retire. Instead, he is shown preparing for a new mission, indicating his continued service in the Navy.
What is the premise of the episode 'Gun Shy'?
The premise of the 'Gun Shy' episode is that Bart Maverick tries to prevent a range war from breaking out. He does this by disarming the sheriff and taking on the role himself.
What was the difference between Maverick and other westerns according to Roy Huggins?
According to Roy Huggins, 'Maverick' was different from other westerns because it was always hopeless, but never serious.
What is the 'Hangman' problem in Top Gun: Maverick?
The 'Hangman' problem in Top Gun: Maverick refers to a mission where pilots must fly low and fast through treacherous terrain to destroy an unsanctioned uranium enrichment plant. The term 'Hangman' is the callsign of one of the pilots.
Where is Charlie in Top Gun: Maverick?
Charlie, played by Jennifer Connelly, is not present in Top Gun: Maverick. Her character does not appear in the sequel, and her absence is noted by fans.
What are some notable goofs in the Maverick TV series?
The Maverick TV series has a few notable goofs. For example, in one episode, a character's hat flies off and then reappears on his head between shots. In another, a prop gun is shown to be a modern firearm instead of one from the period.
Who is Maverick's father?
Maverick's father was a Navy pilot named Duke Mitchell. He was killed in action during the Vietnam War.
What is the significance of the 'Great Balls of Fire' scene?
The 'Great Balls of Fire' scene in Top Gun: Maverick is significant because it is a moment of camaraderie and shared experience for the pilots. It represents their bond and their willingness to push boundaries.
What is the meaning of the quote 'In the traditional Western, the situation was always serious, but never hopeless. In a 'Maverick' story, the situation is always hopeless, but never serious.'?
This quote means that traditional Westerns focused on dire problems that could be overcome, while 'Maverick' episodes presented challenging or desperate situations that were treated with humor and a lighthearted approach.
What did the Maverick brothers have pinned inside their jackets?
The Maverick brothers had their I.D. cards pinned inside their jackets. This was a way for them to easily prove who they were.
Why did Rooster want to become a pilot?
Rooster wanted to become a pilot because he was inspired by his father and Maverick, who were both Navy pilots. He looked up to them and wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Who played the banker that defrauded Bret in 'Shady Deal at Sunny Acres'?
The banker who defrauded Bret in 'Shady Deal at Sunny Acres' was played by Addison Richards.
What happened to Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick?
In Top Gun: Maverick, Iceman has retired from active duty due to an eye injury but remains in contact with Maverick. He serves as a mentor figure and warns Maverick about the dangers of the mission.
What is the Warner Brothers TV western shared universe?
The Warner Brothers TV western shared universe is a collection of Western television shows produced by Warner Bros. that share characters and storylines. Shows like 'Maverick', 'Cheyenne', and 'Bronco' were part of this universe.
What is Maverick's secret in Top Gun: Maverick?
Maverick's secret in Top Gun: Maverick is that he is still an active pilot despite his advanced age and his history of bending the rules. He is also secretly working on a classified project to fly at hypersonic speeds.
What is the relationship between Maverick and Penny?
Maverick and Penny have a past romantic relationship. They reconnect in Top Gun: Maverick, and their relationship is rekindled throughout the film.
How did Rooster's mother die?
The exact cause of Rooster's mother's death is not specified in Top Gun: Maverick. It is stated that she died sometime before the events of the movie.
How did Maverick survive Mach 10?
Maverick survived Mach 10 by using a secret ejector seat and a special suit designed to withstand extreme G-forces. This allowed him to eject safely from his experimental aircraft after it reached Mach 10.
What are the biggest unanswered questions from Top Gun: Maverick?
Some of the biggest unanswered questions from Top Gun: Maverick include the precise cause of Carole Bradshaw's death, the specifics of Penny Benjamin's past with her ex-husband, and whether Maverick and Penny will ultimately stay together.
What is the role of Dandy Jim Buckley?
Dandy Jim Buckley was a con man and a card sharp who often found himself in trouble. He was one of the Maverick brothers, known for his schemes and get-rich-quick attempts.
Who played Doc Holiday in Maverick?
Doc Holliday in the TV series Maverick was played by Peter Breck. Gerald Mohr also portrayed Doc Holliday in the episode "The Quick and the Dead". Adam West also played Doc Holliday in other Westerns, though not in Maverick.

Skuespillere

Jack Kelly
Jack Kelly
Bart Maverick