
Cheyenne
About
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.
Premise & Setting
Main Character
Production History
Episode Structure
Cultural Impact
Legacy & Availability
Where to Watch
Similar vibes




FAQ
What is Cheyenne about?
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Was Cheyenne a spin‑off of any series?
Did Cheyenne ever go to color?
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Why did Clint Walker leave for a strike?
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Was there a character named Smitty?
Is there a season where the hero is a lawman?
Did Cheyenne win any awards?
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Was Cheyenne filmed on location?
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Where was the show produced?
Did Cheyenne portray Native American characters respectfully?
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Atores


