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Dedicated Gunsmoke fans helped save the series from cancellation
Loyal Gunsmoke fans gave the series a second chance and a longer life.
Fans of classic TV are some of the most loyal ones around. They support their favorite series, fight for them, and keep them alive long after the final credits roll.
Gunsmoke, which lasted for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, was proof that loyal fans can lead to a second chance and a longer life.
According to a 1967 interview with The World-News, Milburn Stone, who played the role of Doc Adams, the Gunsmoke doctor, was in need of patching up after the sudden possible cancellation of the series during its 12th season.
"We were stunned when CBS announced the show’s death," Stone said. "But we were gratified when the renewal came through."
"Warmly embraced by the viewers all these years, we credit the show's fans for our return next season," Stone continued. "They rose up in protest, and I don’t think fans of any other series have done as effective a job."
According to the interview, James Arness, the Gunsmoke's leading star, became adamant that the series wouldn’t be canceled. He knew what they had and the magic behind it. Stone agreed.
One of the main reasons the series landed on the chopping block, according to Stone, was that it was an expensive show to make—and Arness was an expensive actor to hire. Despite strong ratings, the cost of Gunsmoke kept soaring.
"Ken and I know two old men who are devout fans of Gunsmoke, and we actually feared they wouldn’t survive the closing of the show," Stone said. "We held a wake, and 500 people were there—all who were ever connected with the series."
Instead of a cancellation, Gunsmoke got a new beginning in its 13th season. The "new beginning" meant Gunsmoke would leave its Saturday time slot and move to Mondays. According to him, the same viewers watching at that time were also watching The Monkees. That unlikely overlap, he felt, put Gunsmoke at a disadvantage.
Luckily, the series had a loyal enough fan base to survive—and help from a few powerful friends, including a U.S. senator.
"We’ll keep older folks," Stone said. "Sen. Byrd of West Virginia introduced a resolution in the Senate when he heard of our cancellation, and the move passed by unanimous vote."
Like its fans, Stone didn’t want the series to end—but said he’d be ready if it did.
"Psychologically, I was better prepared for the end than the others because of my age," Stone said. "I think Gunsmoke happened along at a perfect time in my career. The others in the show are younger and less prepared for a shift in careers."
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