# Bonanza

> 1959-1973 American western/cowboy television series

**Wikidata**: [Q862187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q862187)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonanza)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bonanza

## Summary
*Bonanza* is a 1959–1973 American western/cowboy television series that aired on NBC. It follows the Cartwright family, led by Ben Cartwright, as they operate a ranch in the American West, blending drama with cowboy themes. The show is notable for its long-running success and cultural impact on the genre.

## Key Facts
- **Premiere**: September 12, 1959, on NBC.
- **Finale**: January 16, 1973, after 14 seasons.
- **Genre**: Western/cowboy drama.
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Related Genres**: Westerns on television, drama television series.
- **Alternative Title**: Ponderosa.
- **Wikidata Description**: "1959–1973 American western/cowboy television series."
- **Sitelink Count**: 34 (indicating widespread online references).

## FAQs
- **What network aired *Bonanza*?**
  *Bonanza* aired on NBC, the American television and radio network, from 1959 to 1973.

- **Who produced *Bonanza*?**
  The series was produced by Paramount Pictures, an American film studio.

- **What genre does *Bonanza* belong to?**
  *Bonanza* is classified as a western/cowboy drama television series, fitting within the broader genres of Westerns on television and drama television series.

- **When did *Bonanza* first air and end?**
  The series premiered on September 12, 1959, and concluded on January 16, 1973, spanning 14 seasons.

- **What is the significance of the title *Ponderosa*?**
  *Ponderosa* is an alternative title for *Bonanza*, reflecting the name of the Cartwright family’s ranch in the series.

## Why It Matters
*Bonanza* was a cornerstone of Western television, blending traditional cowboy storytelling with dramatic family narratives. Its long run (1959–1973) made it a cultural touchstone, influencing later Western series and reinforcing the genre’s enduring appeal. The show’s success on NBC demonstrated the network’s ability to sustain high-quality, genre-driven programming for decades.

## Notable For
- **Longest-Running Western Series**: *Bonanza* held the record for the longest-running Western television series at the time of its finale.
- **Family-Centered Drama**: The show’s focus on the Cartwright family provided a unique blend of Western adventure and domestic drama.
- **Cultural Impact**: It helped solidify the Western genre’s place in American television, appealing to both nostalgic and new audiences.

## Body
### Overview
*Bonanza* is a classic American Western television series that aired on NBC from 1959 to 1973. The show centers on the Cartwright family, led by Ben Cartwright, who operates the Ponderosa Ranch in the American West. The series combines elements of Western adventure with family drama, making it a defining work of the genre.

### Production and Broadcast
- **Network**: NBC, an American television and radio network founded in 1926.
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures, an American film studio established in 1912.
- **Premiere**: September 12, 1959, marking the beginning of its 14-season run.
- **Finale**: January 16, 1973, after 339 episodes.

### Genre and Themes
- **Genre**: Western/cowboy drama, fitting within the broader categories of Westerns on television and drama television series.
- **Themes**: The series explores themes of family, adventure, and the challenges of ranching in the American West.

### Cultural Significance
- **Legacy**: *Bonanza* is remembered for its long-running success and its contribution to the Western genre, influencing later television series.
- **Audience Appeal**: The show’s blend of Western action and domestic drama made it appealing to a wide audience, both during its original run and in later syndication.

### Related Entities
- **United States**: The country of origin for both the series and its production company.
- **Paramount Pictures**: The production company responsible for creating *Bonanza*.
- **NBC**: The network that aired *Bonanza* and helped establish its long-term success.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Library of Congress
3. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/bonanza)
4. MusicBrainz
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Kinopoisk
7. Online-Filmdatenbank
8. The Movie Database
9. FilmVandaag.nl