Watch The Virginian

The Virginian was a popular Western drama that aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971. The show was based on the 1902 novel of the same name by Owen Wister, and it followed the lives of the residents of a fictional town called Medicine Bow, Wyoming, in the late 1800s. At the center of the show was the title character, referred to as "The Virginian", played by James Drury. The Virginian was the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch, a ranch owned by Judge Henry Garth played by Lee J. Cobb. Other notable characters included Trampas, played by Doug McClure, who was the ranch hand who often got into trouble and had a close relationship with The Virginian. Charles Bickford played ranch hand John Grainger, who eventually became the co-owner of the Shiloh Ranch. John McIntire played the role of Clay Grainger, John's brother, who later took over the ranch after Judge Garth's death. Clu Gulager played Emmett Ryker, the sheriff of Medicine Bow, and Gary Clarke played Steve Hill, a cowboy who eventually became the deputy sheriff. Randy Boone played Randy Benton, adopted son of Garth and Roberta Shore played his biological daughter, Betsy. The show became known for its strong writing, well-rounded characters, and engaging storylines. The characters faced many challenges, both personal and professional, as they navigated their way through the Old West. The Virginian, in particular, was often called upon to mediate disputes, prevent conflict, and maintain law and order. The show tackled a variety of issues relevant to the time in which it was set, including race relations, women's rights, and the changing of the Old West into a more modern society. The Virginian became known for its realistic and accurate portrayal of life in the late 1800s, and it remained popular throughout its nine-year run. One of the reasons for the show's success was its impressive roster of guest stars. Over the years, The Virginian featured appearances by such notable actors as Bette Davis, William Shatner, and Leonard Nimoy. Up-and-coming actors like Robert Redford and Kurt Russell also appeared on the show early in their careers. Overall, The Virginian was a classic Western drama that continues to be remembered fondly by fans of the genre. Its memorable characters, engaging storylines, and impressive guest stars all contributed to making it one of the most beloved shows of its time. In conclusion, The Virginian was a classic Western drama that aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971. It followed the lives of the residents of a fictional town in Wyoming during the late 1800s and was known for its strong writing, well-rounded characters, and engaging storylines. The show tackled a variety of relevant social issues and featured an impressive roster of guest stars. The Virginian remains a beloved classic of the Western genre.