The western TV series "Gunsmoke" was launched by CBS on September 10, 1955, and as time went own the show featured the following main characters:

• James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon
• Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell
• Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode
• Milburn Stone as Dr. Galen 'Doc' Adams
• Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen
• Glenn Strange as Sam Noonan

James Arness and Milburn Stone were the only two stars who ramained on "Gunsmoke" for all 20 seasons.   Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) left after 19 years.

"Gunsmoke" was actually considered an "adult western".   Who can forget Marshal Dillon, Doc, and Miss Kitty sitting in the Long Branch Saloon chugging beer?

Marshal Matt Dillon had his hands full trying to keep law and order in Dodge City around 1873. He not only had to contend with the outlaws, but he also had to deal with the antics of his loyal deputy, Chester and later, Festus.

"Gunsmoke" began as a half-hour show and in its seventh season was expanded to an hour. In 1967, "Gunsmoke" was slated to be canceled, but the president of CBS re-considered and moved the show from Saturday to Monday, which placed "Gunsmoke" back in the Nielsen's Top Ten.   Rumor has it that the CBS executive's decision was based in part on the mention of cancellation of the show in Congress.

When "Gunsmoke" began, there were some 30 similar series on the air, but when the final episode aired on March 31, 1975, it was the only show of its kind still running.

After the filming of the final episode of "Gunsmoke" while the wardrobe department was collecting the costumes, James Arness made the following comment when he turned in his hat:

“Be careful with my hat, son,” he said. “I think it might just have one more year left in it.”