#2: The Dawn of Ninety-Minute Westerns on American TV
Debuting in 1962 and concluding in 1971, The Virginian revolutionized U.S. television as the inaugural 90-minute western series. Its extended format enriched storylines and character depth, featuring James Drury in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow at Shiloh Ranch.
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Amid the golden age of Westerns, The Virginian’s triumph set a precedent, inspiring other beloved series like Bonanza and Gunsmoke to expand their episodes and enrich the genre with longer, more developed narratives.