Gunsmoke made its initial debut in 1952 as a radio program created by writer John Meston and producer Norman MacDonnell. When it arrived three years later on TV, all the basic elements of what would make it the most successful adult Western series in TV history were already in place. Marshal Dillon, Miss Kitty, Chester and Doc Adams were a family, and Dodge City was a town, that audiences already knew well. The characters in the series had changed a bit over time. Dillon was a darker figure i
Already Signed Up? Log in here.
Read this article now for Free!
Ready for a third free article? Create a free account by entering your email address and a password below.
— OR —
Sign Up Now for $29.95 a year and have immediate access to all of True West content, including the complete True West Archives dating back to 1953!
