List of Gunsmoke television episodes

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Clockwise from top: Ken Curtis (Festus), James Arness (Matt), Amanda Blake (Kitty), and Milburn Stone (Doc) in 1968

Gunsmoke is an American western television series developed by Charles Marquis Warren and based on the radio program of the same name.[1] The series ran for 20 seasons, making it the longest-running western in television history. The first episode aired in the United States on September 10, 1955, and the final episode aired on March 31, 1975.[2][3] All episodes were broadcast in the United States by CBS.[4] In the United Kingdom Gunsmoke was originally broadcast under the title Gun Law.[5]

Gunsmoke was originally a half-hour program filmed in black-and-white. The series expanded to an hour in length with its seventh season and began filming in color with the twelfth. During its run 635 episodes were broadcast, of which 233 were 30 minutes in length and 402 were 60 minutes in length. Of the hour-long episodes 176 were in black-and-white and 226 in color.[6] During its second season Gunsmoke became one of the ten most popular programs on American television and moved to number one in its third season. It remained at number one until 1961 and stayed in the top twenty until 1964. The series returned to prominence in 1967 following a shift in its programming time from Saturday to Monday night. From there Gunsmoke remained in the top twenty for the next seven years, dropping out only in its final season.[4] In May 1975 CBS cancelled the series. Alan Wagner, the network's vice president at the time, said, "It's better to get rid of a program one year too soon than one year too late."[7] Between 1987 and 1994 five television movies based on the series were aired by CBS.[8]

Gunsmoke is set in and around Dodge City, Kansas, in the post-Civil War era and centers on United States Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) as he enforces law and order in the city. In its original format the series also focuses on Dillon's friendship with three other citizens of Dodge City: Doctor Galen "Doc" Adams (Milburn Stone), the town's physician; Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake), owner of the Long Branch Saloon; and Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), Dillon's assistant.[9] In the eighth season (1962–63) a fifth regular character was added to the cast: blacksmith Quint Asper (Burt Reynolds), who remained until the end of the tenth season (1964–65).[10] Dennis Weaver left the series during the ninth season (1963–64) and was replaced by Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen, who became deputy to Marshall Dillon.[11] Both Chester and Festus appear together in the ninth season episode entitled "The Prairie Wolfer," and Festus had initially appeared the previous season, playing the same character as a quasi-outlaw helping Dillon track a killer in "Us Haggens." In the eleventh season (1965–66), another deputy, Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood (Roger Ewing), was added to the cast.[12] Ewing's character was replaced in the thirteenth season (1967–68) by Newly O'Brien (Buck Taylor).[13] Amanda Blake left the series at the end of the nineteenth season (1973–74) and was replaced in the final season by a new character, Miss Hannah, portrayed by Fran Ryan.[14]

As of August 6, 2013, all of the episodes from the first nine seasons of Gunsmoke have been released on DVD while two other collections contain selected episodes from all twenty seasons. Three of the five television movies have been released on DVD as well. CBS DVD/Paramount Home Video has announced that both volumes of Season 10 will be released on DVD on August 12, 2014.[15]

Episodes

  • All episodes are listed in order of airdate.
  • Series # refers to that episode's number within the overall series.
  • Season # refers to the order in which the episode aired within that particular season.

Half-hour era

1955/56 through 1960/61
233 half-hour episodes (all black-and-white)
39 episodes for each of the first five seasons, with 38 episodes for the 6th season

Season 1 (1955-56)

39 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Charles Marquis Warren; associate producer: Norman Macdonnell
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)
Note: The premiere episode was introduced by John Wayne.[16]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
1 1 "Matt Gets It" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Charles Marquis Warren
Story: John Meston
September 10, 1955 (1955-09-10)
United States Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City must deal with fast trigger-happy outlaw Dan Grat (Paul Richards) who wants his way with the town.
2 2 "Hot Spell" Charles Marquis Warren E. Jack Neuman September 17, 1955 (1955-09-17)
Matt must defend a gunman he despises from townspeople who want to lynch him for a crime he didn't commit.
3 3 "Word of Honor" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Charles Marquis Warren
Story: John Meston
October 1, 1955 (1955-10-01)
To save his own life, murder witness Doc gives his word of honor to the killers that he won't expose them.
4 4 "Home Surgery" Charles Marquis Warren John Meston October 8, 1955 (1955-10-08)
Matt tries to save the life of a man dying of gangrene.
5 5 "Obie Tater" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Charles Marquis Warren
Story: John Meston
October 15, 1955 (1955-10-15)
A group of outlaws try to force an old prospector to give up his gold.
6 6 "Night Incident" Charles Marquis Warren Charles Marquis Warren October 29, 1955 (1955-10-29)
No one believes a boy's claims that he overheard an outlaw planning a robbery.
7 7 "Smoking Out the Nolans" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Charles Marquis Warren
Story: John Meston
November 5, 1955 (1955-11-05)
A landowner asks Matt to remove a couple from a home on part of his land, which the couple insists they bought and paid for, and which they refuse to vacate.
8 8 "Kite's Reward" Charles Marquis Warren John Meston November 12, 1955 (1955-11-12)
An ex-outlaw's attempt to hang up his gun proves difficult.
9 9 "The Hunter" Charles Marquis Warren John Dunkel November 26, 1955 (1955-11-26)
A legendary buffalo hunter invites the wrath of Indians when he sets out to cross their sacred hunting grounds.
10 10 "The Queue" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
December 3, 1955 (1955-12-03)
Two men try to force a Chinese man out of Dodge.
11 11 "General Parsley Smith" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
December 10, 1955 (1955-12-10)
Parsley Smith, a teller of tall tales, claims the new town banker is plotting to make off with the depositors' money.
12 12 "Magnus" Charles Marquis Warren John Meston December 24, 1955 (1955-12-24)
It's Christmas in Dodge and Chester isn't pleased when his brother Magnus arrives for a visit.
13 13 "Reed Survives" Charles Marquis Warren Les Crutchfield December 31, 1955 (1955-12-31)
A beautiful young wife manipulates a young hired hand into killing her older husband.
14 14 "Professor Lute Bone" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
January 7, 1956 (1956-01-07)
A peddler's miracle curative contains opium and proves fatal.
15 15 "No Handcuffs" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
January 21, 1956 (1956-01-21)
A man who claims he's innocent of a murder in a corrupt town breaks out of Matt's jail, and his trail leads Matt to the corrupt sheriff.
16 16 "Reward for Matt" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
January 28, 1956 (1956-01-28)
A woman offers a $1,000 reward to the man who kills Matt Dillon.
17 17 "Robin Hood" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Daniel B. Ullman
Story: John Meston
February 4, 1956 (1956-02-04)
Witnesses are refusing to testify against an infamous outlaw.
18 18 "Yorky" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
February 18, 1956 (1956-02-18)
Matt saves the life of a white boy raised by Indians who was shot trying to retrieve horses stolen from his tribe.
19 19 "20-20" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
February 25, 1956 (1956-02-25)
An ex-lawman and old friend of Matt's arrives in Dodge with failing eyesight, and a man who wants to kill him.
20 20 "Reunion '78" Charles Marquis Warren Harold Swanton March 3, 1956 (1956-03-03)
A well-liked hardware drummer is actually a man wanted for multiple murders.
21 21 "Helping Hand" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
March 17, 1956 (1956-03-17)
Matt attempts to reform a young troublemaker.
22 22 "Tap Day for Kitty" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
March 24, 1956 (1956-03-24)
An old rancher decides he's going to marry Kitty, and that's that.
23 23 "Indian Scout" Charles Marquis Warren John Dunkel March 31, 1956 (1956-03-31)
When an old Indian scout murders a man, Matt pursues him into Commanche territory.
24 24 "The Pest Hole" Charles Marquis Warren David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. April 14, 1956 (1956-04-14)
Doc must find a way to thwart a typhoid epidemic in Dodge.
25 25 "The Big Broad" Charles Marquis Warren Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
April 28, 1956 (1956-04-28)
Matt has to figure a way around a six-foot-tall, 200-pound woman with a six-gun.
26 26 "Hack Prine" Charles Marquis Warren John Meston May 12, 1956 (1956-05-12)
An old friend of Matt's is now a gun-for-hire, in town to kill him.
27 27 "Cooter" Robert Stevenson Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
May 19, 1956 (1956-05-19)
A dishonest gambler uses a mentally challenged man in a plot against Matt.
28 28 "The Killer" Robert Stevenson Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
May 26, 1956 (1956-05-26)
Matt has to stop a cold-blooded killer (Charles Bronson) who preys on over-matched opponents.
29 29 "Doc's Revenge" Ted Post John Dunkel June 9, 1956 (1956-06-09)
Doc has a change of heart about a man he hates and wants to kill face to face when the man is later shot in the back.
30 30 "The Preacher" Robert Stevenson Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
June 16, 1956 (1956-06-16)
A preacher disgusted by violence is harassed by bully Sam Keeler (Chuck Connors) who despises his timid nature.
31 31 "How to Die for Nothing" Ted Post Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
June 23, 1956 (1956-06-23)
The brother of a man Matt was forced to kill vows to kill Matt by any means necessary.
32 32 "Dutch George" Robert Stevenson John Dunkel June 30, 1956 (1956-06-30)
Matt is forced to arrest his childhood hero, who is now the leader of a gang of horse thieves.
33 33 "Prairie Happy" Ted Post Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
July 7, 1956 (1956-07-07)
A bitter old man tells fibs about Indians preparing to strike Dodge.
34 34 "Chester's Mail Order Bride" Robert Stevenson David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. July 14, 1956 (1956-07-14)
When Chester's mail-order bride arrives, neither she nor Chester are what the other are expecting.
35 35 "The Guitar" Harry Horner Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
July 21, 1956 (1956-07-21)
An ex-Union soldier is forced to use violence against a pair of diehard Rebels.
36 36 "Cara" Robert Stevenson Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
July 28, 1956 (1956-07-28)
Matt discovers that an old girlfriend is working on the opposite side of the law.
37 37 "Mr. and Mrs. Amber" Ted Post Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
August 4, 1956 (1956-08-04)
A self-described religious prophet makes life miserable for his daughter and her new husband.
38 38 "Unmarked Grave" Ted Post David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. August 18, 1956 (1956-08-18)
An old woman grieving over the loss of her outlaw son tries to help another young outlaw escape justice.
39 39 "Alarm at Pleasant Valley" Ted Post John Dunkel August 25, 1956 (1956-08-25)
A homesteader is ambushed on the way to Dodge.

Season 2 (1956-57)

39 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Charles Marquis Warren (episodes 40–49, 51–52, 57), Norman Macdonnell (episodes 50, 53–56, 58–78)
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[17]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
40 1 "Cow Doctor" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
September 8, 1956 (1956-09-08)
Matt is forced to release a killer due to insufficient evidence.
41 2 "Brush at Elkader" Ted Post Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
September 15, 1956 (1956-09-15)
Matt tracks a murderer to a strange town where the people are unwilling to cooperate.
42 3 "Custer" Ted Post Screenplay: Gil Doud
Story: John Meston
September 22, 1956 (1956-09-22)
Matt refuses to turn in a rustler for a court-martial.
43 4 "The Round Up" Ted Post Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
September 29, 1956 (1956-09-29)
Dodge City merchants celebrate the end of a round-up and unite against any acts of violence.
44 5 "Young Man with a Gun" Christian Nyby Screenplay: Winston Miller
Story: John Meston
October 20, 1956 (1956-10-20)
The brother of an outlaw Matt killed swears revenge.
45 6 "Indian White" Ted Post Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: Tom Hanley
October 27, 1956 (1956-10-27)
A white boy who's been raised by Indians learns to live with his own race.
46 7 "How to Cure a Friend" Ted Post Screenplay: Winston Miller
Story: John Meston
November 10, 1956 (1956-11-10)
Matt is used by an old friend in a con game.
47 8 "Legal Revenge" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
November 17, 1956 (1956-11-17)
Doc comes upon a homesteader with a busted leg and a gun to protect himself from his wife.
48 9 "The Mistake" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Gil Doud
Story: John Meston
November 24, 1956 (1956-11-24)
Matt leaves Dodge City unprotected when he sets out to find a killer.
49 10 "Greater Love" Ted Post Screenplay: Winston Miller
Story: John Meston
December 1, 1956 (1956-12-01)
An outlaw threatens to kill Doc if he doesn't help his wounded buddy.
50 11 "No Indians" Ted Post Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
December 8, 1956 (1956-12-08)
Matt and Chester act as decoys to ambush renegade Indians.
51 12 "Spring Term" Ted Post Screenplay: William F. Leicester
Story: John Meston
December 15, 1956 (1956-12-15)
Matt discovers that he was the intended victim of a murder he's investigating.
52 13 "Poor Pearl" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
December 22, 1956 (1956-12-22)
Matt helps a woman whose suitors are about to duel for her affections.
53 14 "Cholera" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
December 29, 1956 (1956-12-29)
A landowner tries to get a homesteader and his family kicked out.
54 15 "Pucket's New Year" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 5, 1957 (1957-01-05)
An old buffalo hunter's partner leaves him to die.
55 16 "The Cover Up" William D. Russell Screenplay: William N. Robson
Story: John Meston
January 12, 1957 (1957-01-12)
Matt trails a gunman who shot a homesteader.
56 17 "Sins of the Father" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: John Dunkel
Story: John Meston
January 19, 1957 (1957-01-19)
An Indian woman faces prejudice for her father's raid on Dodge City.
57 18 "Kick Me" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Endre Bohem and Louis Vittes
Story: John Meston
January 26, 1957 (1957-01-26)
A thief hatches a scheme to con a banker.
58 19 "Executioner" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Gil Doud
Story: John Meston
February 2, 1957 (1957-02-02)
After a young gunfighter brazenly kills an over-matched rancher, the rancher's brother wants Matt to settle the score.
59 20 "Gone Straight" Ted Post Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
February 9, 1957 (1957-02-09)
Townspeople protect an outlaw they believe has reformed.
60 21 "Bloody Hands" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston February 16, 1957 (1957-02-16)
Matt decides to quit being a marshal after he shoots an unarmed man.
61 22 "Skid Row" Ted Post Screenplay: Gil Doud
Story: John Meston
February 23, 1957 (1957-02-23)
A woman comes a long way from the east to Dodge, only to realize that her fiancé has lost all his money and does not wish to marry her.
62 23 "Sweet and Sour" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston March 2, 1957 (1957-03-02)
A dance-hall girl manipulates her admirers into facing each other in gunfights.
63 24 "Cain" Ted Post John Meston March 9, 1957 (1957-03-09)
A former gunslinger's past catches up to him.
64 25 "Bureaucrat" Ted Post Story: John Meston
Teleplay: William F. Leicester
March 16, 1957 (1957-03-16)
An official from Washington sets out to tame Dodge City.
65 26 "Last Fling" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston March 23, 1957 (1957-03-23)
Kitty gets annoyed by a pair of old farmers who are each trying to have a fling with her.
66 27 "Chester's Murder" Ted Post John Meston March 30, 1957 (1957-03-30)
Matt reluctantly arrests Chester for murder.
67 28 "The Photographer" William D. Russell John Dunkel April 6, 1957 (1957-04-06)
A photographer from the east attempts to cross hostile Indian territory on his own.
68 29 "Wrong Man" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 13, 1957 (1957-04-13)
A cowboy vows revenge for the shooting of his friend, who was mistaken for a criminal.
69 30 "Big Girl Lost" Ted Post John Meston April 20, 1957 (1957-04-20)
A saloon girl doesn't want her ex-fiancé to know about her job.
70 31 "What the Whiskey Drummer Heard" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: John Meston
Teleplay: Gil Doud
April 27, 1957 (1957-04-27)
Matt fakes his death to lure a gunman out in the open.
71 32 "Cheap Labor" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston May 4, 1957 (1957-05-04)
A former gunslinger is goaded into a duel by his fiancee's brother.
72 33 "Moon" William D. Russell John Meston May 11, 1957 (1957-05-11)
Matt seeks evidence to convict a poker dealer of murdering a gambler.
73 34 "Who Lives by the Sword" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston May 18, 1957 (1957-05-18)
A gunman manipulates two boys into facing him in a duel.
74 35 "Uncle Oliver" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston May 25, 1957 (1957-05-25)
Matt goes after an outlaw who shot Chester.
75 36 "Daddy-O" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston June 1, 1957 (1957-06-01)
Kitty's father arrives in Dodge to try and take her back to New Orleans.
76 37 "The Man Who Would Be Marshal" William D. Russell Screenplay: David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.
Story: John Meston
June 15, 1957 (1957-06-15)
A retired Army officer asks Matt to appoint him deputy.
77 38 "Liar from Blackhawk" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston June 22, 1957 (1957-06-22)
A braggart attempts to start a gunfight with a harmless drunk.
78 39 "Jealousy" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Sam Peckinpah
Story: John Meston
June 29, 1957 (1957-06-29)
A hot-tempered man thinks Matt is pursuing his wife.

Season 3 (1957-58)

39 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[18]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
79 1 "Crack-Up" Ted Post John Meston September 14, 1957 (1957-09-14)
Matt must find out who sent a supposed professional killer to Dodge and why.
80 2 "Gun for Chester" Louis King John Meston September 21, 1957 (1957-09-21)
The man who threatened to kill Chester arrives in town.
81 3 "Blood Money" Louis King John Meston September 28, 1957 (1957-09-28)
The friendship between Harry Spener and Joe Harpe is jeopardized by the fact that there's a price on the latter's head.
82 4 "Kitty's Outlaw" Andrew V. McLaglen Screenplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Meston
October 5, 1957 (1957-10-05)
Kitty's old boyfriend sets her up in a bank robbery.
83 5 "Potato Road" Ted Post John Meston October 12, 1957 (1957-10-12)
A young man claims that his father committed a murder.
84 6 "Jesse" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 19, 1957 (1957-10-19)
Matt tries to help a young man find his father's killer.
85 7 "Mavis McCloud" Buzz Kulik Screenplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Meston
October 26, 1957 (1957-10-26)
A girl from the east comes to Dodge to experience life in the west.
86 8 "Born to Hang" Buzz Kulik John Meston November 2, 1957 (1957-11-02)
After he's saved from a hanging, a drifer plots revenge against those who tried to lynch him.
87 9 "Romeo" Ted Post John Meston November 9, 1957 (1957-11-09)
Inspired by the play Romeo & Juliet, the children of feuding families fall in love.
88 10 "Never Pester Chester" Richard Whorf John Meston November 16, 1957 (1957-11-16)
Matt hunts down two drifters who dragged Chester and left him for dead.
89 11 "Fingered" James Sheldon John Meston November 23, 1957 (1957-11-23)
The people of Dodge gets suspicious of Jim Cobbett when his second wife vanishes just like his first.
90 12 "How to Kill a Woman" John Rich Screenplay: David S. Peckinpah[A]
Story: John Meston
November 30, 1957 (1957-11-30)
Matt tracks down a gunman who robbed a stagecoach.
91 13 "Cows and Cribs" Richard Whorf Screenplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Meston
December 7, 1957 (1957-12-07)
The residents of Dodge are wondering where Joe Nadler gets all his money - and where he goes to spend it.
92 14 "Doc's Reward" Richard Whorf John Meston December 14, 1957 (1957-12-14)
Even though Doc has confessed to murder, Matt is unwilling to arrest him.
93 15 "Kitty Lost" Ted Post John Meston December 21, 1957 (1957-12-21)
Kitty gets deserted in a desolate plain by a suitor she rejected.
94 16 "Twelfth Night" John Rich John Meston December 28, 1957 (1957-12-28)
The remaining survivors of two feuding Ozark families face each other in Dodge.
95 17 "Joe Phy" Ted Post John Meston January 4, 1958 (1958-01-04)
Marshal Joe Phy uses his reputation as a gunman to maintain order.
96 18 "Buffalo Man" Ted Post Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
January 11, 1958 (1958-01-11)
Matt and Chester get caught in the middle of a feud between Indians and buffalo hunters.
97 19 "Kitty Caught" Richard Whorf John Meston January 18, 1958 (1958-01-18)
Bank robbers take Kitty hostage.
98 20 "Claustrophobia" Ted Post John Meston January 25, 1958 (1958-01-25)
A pair of landgrabbers kill a homesteader's cattle to get his ranch.
99 21 "Ma Tennis" Buzz Kulik John Meston February 1, 1958 (1958-02-01)
A woman claims to have killed her outlaw son to prevent him from turning himself in.
100 22 "Sunday Supplement" Richard Whorf John Meston February 8, 1958 (1958-02-08)
A pair of journalists from the east cause trouble.
101 23 "Wild West" Richard Whorf John Meston February 15, 1958 (1958-02-15)
Matt attempts to rescue a child's father from kidnappers.
102 24 "The Cabin" John Rich John Meston February 22, 1958 (1958-02-22)
Matt finds a cabin to shelter himself from a blizzard, only to learn it's occupied by a pair of bank robbers.
103 25 "Dirt" Ted Post Screenplay: David S. Peckinpah[A]
Story: John Meston
March 1, 1958 (1958-03-01)
A newlywed man is murdered moments after his wedding.
104 26 "Dooley Surrenders" John Rich John Meston March 8, 1958 (1958-03-08)
Matt sets out to clear Emmett Dooley, who's been accused of murdering one of his hunting companions.
105 27 "Joke's on Us" Ted Post John Meston March 15, 1958 (1958-03-15)
The widow and son of a man Jake Kaiser lynched are out to get him.
106 28 "Bottleman" John Rich John Meston March 22, 1958 (1958-03-22)
Tom Cassidy, the town drunk, tries to pick a fight with Dan Clell, who's just arrived in Dodge.
107 29 "Laughing Gas" Ted Post James Fonda March 29, 1958 (1958-03-29)
A former gunslinger is being bothered by bullies.
108 30 "Texas Cowboys" John Rich John Meston April 5, 1958 (1958-04-05)
Cowboys from Texas set out to avenge their murdered friend.
109 31 "Amy's Good Deed" John Rich Screenplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Meston
April 12, 1958 (1958-04-12)
A bitter old woman plots to kill Matt as revenge for the death of her brother.
110 32 "Hanging Man" John Rich John Meston April 19, 1958 (1958-04-19)
Matt suspects murder when a merchant is found hanged in his office.
111 33 "Innocent Broad" John Rich Screenplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Meston
April 26, 1958 (1958-04-26)
A woman's boyfriend causes trouble for Matt with his constant fits of jealousy.
112 34 "The Big Con" John Rich John Meston May 3, 1958 (1958-05-03)
Doc is taken hostage by three con artists.
113 35 "Widow's Mite" Ted Post John Meston May 10, 1958 (1958-05-10)
A gambler marries an outlaw's widow for her husband's stolen money.
114 36 "Chester's Hanging" Ted Post John Meston May 17, 1958 (1958-05-17)
Matt arrests a drifter for robbing and murdering a cattle buyer.
115 37 "Carmen" Ted Post John Meston May 24, 1958 (1958-05-24)
An Army major threatens to put Dodge under martial law after soldiers are killed in a robbery.
116 38 "Overland Express" Seymour Berns John Meston May 31, 1958 (1958-05-31)
An outlaw holds up a stagecoach carrying a murderer to trial.
117 39 "The Gentleman" Ted Post John Meston June 7, 1958 (1958-06-07)
One of Kitty's hostesses has fallen in love with a gambler, but one of the girl's old boyfriends has his suspicions.

Season 4 (1958-59)

39 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[19]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
118 1 "Matt for Murder" Richard Whorf John Meston September 13, 1958 (1958-09-13)
A witness claims to have seen Matt kill Red Samples' partner.
119 2 "The Patsy" Richard Whorf Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
September 20, 1958 (1958-09-20)
One of the dance-hall girls accuses a man of murder.
120 3 "Gunsmuggler" Richard Whorf Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
September 27, 1958 (1958-09-27)
Matt investigates an alleged Indian raid that seems to have wiped out a family.
121 4 "Monopoly" Seymour Berns Screenplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
October 4, 1958 (1958-10-04)
A stranger is purchasing all the local freight lines.
122 5 "Letter of the Law" Richard Whorf Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
October 11, 1958 (1958-10-11)
Matt attempts to get a man and his expectant wife evicted from their home.
123 6 "Thoroughbreds" Richard Whorf John Meston October 18, 1958 (1958-10-18)
Matt and Chester meet a man with two horses on the way back to Dodge who isn't very friendly - until they see him spending money freely.
124 7 "Stage Hold-Up" Ted Post Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
October 25, 1958 (1958-10-25)
A robber holds up a stagecoach carrying Matt, then turns up in Dodge.
125 8 "Lost Rifle" Richard Whorf John Meston November 1, 1958 (1958-11-01)
A man who's had every motive to commit a murder swears he's innocent.
126 9 "Land Deal" Ted Post Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
November 8, 1958 (1958-11-08)
Matt gets suspicious of a land agent's generous offer.
127 10 "Lynching Man" Richard Whorf John Meston November 15, 1958 (1958-11-15)
The townspeople prepare for a lynching when a pair of saddle tramps kill a homesteader and steal his horse.
128 11 "How to Kill a Friend" Richard Whorf John Meston November 22, 1958 (1958-11-22)
Matt tells a pair of gamblers to get out of Dodge, but they hire a gunman to kill him.
129 12 "Grass" Richard Whorf John Meston November 29, 1958 (1958-11-29)
A rancher takes Matt's advice and arms himself against Indians, then shoots a cowboy dressed as an Indian.
130 13 "The Cast" Jesse Hibbs John Meston December 6, 1958 (1958-12-06)
A rancher blames Doc for the death of his wife.
131 14 "Robber Bridegroom" Richard Whorf John Meston December 13, 1958 (1958-12-13)
A girl refuses to testify against the robbers who kidnapped her.
132 15 "Snakebite" Ted Post John Meston December 20, 1958 (1958-12-20)
One of the drifters who killed a man's dog is found dead.
133 16 "Gypsum Hills Feud" Richard Whorf Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
December 27, 1958 (1958-12-27)
Matt and Chester get caught in the middle of a bloody mountain feud between the Peavys and the Cades.
134 17 "Young Love" Seymour Berns John Meston January 3, 1959 (1959-01-03)
The widow of a cattleman falls in love with the man who supposedly killed her husband.
135 18 "Marshal Proudfoot" Jesse Hibbs Story: Tom Hanley
Teleplay: John Meston
January 10, 1959 (1959-01-10)
Chester's uncle thinks he's the mashal of Dodge City.
136 19 "Passive Resistance" Ted Post John Meston January 17, 1959 (1959-01-17)
An elderly sheepherder who's against violence refuses to tell Matt the identity of the two cattleman who killed his sheep, burned his house, and left him for dead.
137 20 "Love of a Good Woman" Arthur Hiller Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
January 24, 1959 (1959-01-24)
A recently released convict jeopardizes his parole when he sets out to kill Matt.
138 21 "Jayhawkers" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 31, 1959 (1959-01-31)
A drover asks Matt and Chester to help him protect his boss's herd from a renegade raid.
139 22 "Kitty's Rebellion" Jesse Hibbs Story: Marian Clark
Teleplay: John Meston
February 7, 1959 (1959-02-07)
An old friend's brother attempts to 'save' Kitty from life as a saloonkeeper.
140 23 "Sky" Ted Post Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
February 14, 1959 (1959-02-14)
A young man steals a horse when he's accused of murder.
141 24 "Doc Quits" Edward Ludlum John Meston February 21, 1959 (1959-02-21)
Doc suspects the new town doctor of being a charlatan.
142 25 "The Bear" Jesse Hibbs John Meston February 28, 1959 (1959-02-28)
A former saloon girl's upcoming marriage is jeopardized by her old boyfriend.
143 26 "The Coward" Jesse Hibbs John Meston March 7, 1959 (1959-03-07)
Matt's double is murdered, leaving the residents of Dodge very confused.
144 27 "The F.U." Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston March 14, 1959 (1959-03-14)
Onie Baker is found dead after a quarrel with Al Clovis, who's gone missing.
145 28 "Wind" Arthur Hiller John Meston March 21, 1959 (1959-03-21)
Matt suspects the new saloon girl of being affiliated with a crooked gambler.
146 29 "Fawn" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 4, 1959 (1959-04-04)
Matt frees a white woman and her daughter from slavery by the Indians.
147 30 "Renegade White" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: Les Crutchfield
Story: John Meston
April 11, 1959 (1959-04-11)
After getting out of jail, Ord Spicer begins selling rifles to Indians.
148 31 "Murder Warrant" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 18, 1959 (1959-04-18)
Matt protects a suspected killer from a trigger-happy deputy.
149 32 "Change of Heart" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 25, 1959 (1959-04-25)
Brisco Casis tries to stop his brother from marrying a saloon girl.
150 33 "Buffalo Hunter" Ted Post John Meston May 2, 1959 (1959-05-02)
The head of a buffalo-hunting party is unwilling to tell Matt what he knows about the murders of two of his skinners.
151 34 "The Choice" Ted Post John Meston May 9, 1959 (1959-05-09)
A pair of strangers are on Matt's 'wanted list'.
152 35 "There Never Was a Horse" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston May 16, 1959 (1959-05-16)
A nasty gunfighter kills a drunk to force Matt into a showdown.
153 36 "Print Asper" Ted Post John Meston May 23, 1959 (1959-05-23)
A plainsman asks Matt for help in tracking down his son, who's killed his brother and another man.
154 37 "The Constable" Arthur Hiller John Meston May 30, 1959 (1959-05-30)
A ranch foreman threatens to boycott Dodge City commerce if his cowboys aren't left alone.
155 38 "Blue Horse" Andrew V. McLaglen and Ted Post Story: Marian Clark
Teleplay: John Meston
June 6, 1959 (1959-06-06)
Print Asper wishes to leave his ranch to his sons, but his attorney has other plans.
156 39 "Cheyennes" Ted Post John Meston June 13, 1959 (1959-06-13)
Matt hunts down the Indians who are killing settlers.

Season 5 (1959-60)

39 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[20]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
157 1 "Target" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
September 5, 1959 (1959-09-05)
A gypsy girl's father disapproves of a young man's romance with her.
158 2 "Kitty's Injury" Buzz Kulik Story: Marian Clark
Teleplay: John Meston
September 19, 1959 (1959-09-19)
Kitty sustains injury from falling off a horse.
159 3 "Horse Deal" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston September 26, 1959 (1959-09-26)
Matt seems to be too lazy to catch horse thieves when ranchers are being sold stolen horses.
160 4 "Johnny Red" Buzz Kulik Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
October 3, 1959 (1959-10-03)
Matt suspects a new arrival of being a ruthless criminal.
161 5 "Tail to the Wind" Christian Nyby Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
October 10, 1959 (1959-10-10)
A rancher who's been threatened refuses Matt's help.
162 6 "Annie Oakley" Jesse Hibbs John Meston October 17, 1959 (1959-10-17)
A woman who's been feeling neglected by her husband manipulates him into fighting a neighbor.
163 7 "Kangaroo" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 24, 1959 (1959-10-24)
A family of psychopaths takes Chester hostage.
164 8 "Saludos" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
October 31, 1959 (1959-10-31)
Three cowboys are suspected of shooting a woman who's half Native American.
165 9 "Brother Whelp" R.G. Springsteen Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
November 7, 1959 (1959-11-07)
A man returns to Dodge to kill his brother as revenge for marrying his fiancée.
166 10 "The Boots" Jesse Hibbs John Meston November 14, 1959 (1959-11-14)
A young man is unaware that his hero was once a gunslinger.
167 11 "Odd Man Out" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
November 21, 1959 (1959-11-21)
Matt suspects foul play when an old farmer claims his wife left him.
168 12 "Miguel's Daughter" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Marian Clark
Teleplay: John Meston
November 28, 1959 (1959-11-28)
Although Kitty has prevented two men from molesting Chavela Ramirez, the girl's father wants revenge.
169 13 "Box o' Rocks" R.G. Springsteen Les Crutchfield December 5, 1959 (1959-12-05)
A coffin at a funeral is found to be filled with rocks.
170 14 "False Witness" Ted Post Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
December 12, 1959 (1959-12-12)
A man claims he can identify a murderer just to get attention.
171 15 "Tag, You're It" Jesse Hibbs Les Crutchfield December 19, 1959 (1959-12-19)
A notorious gunfighter comes to Dodge, making the townspeople curious as to who he's after.
172 16 "Thick 'n' Thin" Stuart Heisler Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
December 26, 1959 (1959-12-26)
Two old ranch partners have a falling out.
173 17 "Groat's Grudge" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Marian Clark
Teleplay: John Meston
January 2, 1960 (1960-01-02)
A former Rebel sets out to settle the score with a cowboy he thinks killed his wife during Sherman's march through Georgia.
174 18 "Big Tom" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
January 9, 1960 (1960-01-09)
A scheming fighting manager sets up a dangerous boxing match.
175 19 "Till Death Do Us" Jean Yarbrough Les Crutchfield January 16, 1960 (1960-01-16)
A killer targets an eccentric old man and his wife.
176 20 "The Tragedian" Arthur Hiller Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Les Crutchfield
January 23, 1960 (1960-01-23)
An out-of-work actor gets in trouble for playing marked cards.
177 21 "Hinka Do" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield January 30, 1960 (1960-01-30)
The new saloonkeeper in Dodge is a woman who knows how to handle a six-shooter.
178 22 "Doc Judge" Arthur Hiller John Meston February 6, 1960 (1960-02-06)
With Matt out of town, Doc only has Chester to protect him when his life is threatened.
179 23 "Moo Moo Raid" Andrew V. McLaglen Story: Les Crutchfield
Teleplay: John Meston
February 13, 1960 (1960-02-13)
Two trail bosses argue over how to get across a swollen river.
180 24 "Kitty's Killing" Arthur Hiller Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
February 20, 1960 (1960-02-20)
Kitty risks herself to stop an attempted murder.
181 25 "Jailbait Janet" Jesse Hibbs Les Crutchfield February 27, 1960 (1960-02-27)
One of a bandit's children kills a man during a robbery.
182 26 "Unwanted Deputy" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
March 5, 1960 (1960-03-05)
A convicted murderer's brother runs against Matt for marshal.
183 27 "Where'd They Go" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Les Crutchfield
March 12, 1960 (1960-03-12)
A storekeeper accuses a farmer of robbing him, but has no proof.
184 28 "Crowbait Bob" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield March 26, 1960 (1960-03-26)
Kitty is named the sole heir in Crowbait Bob's will.
185 29 "Colleen So Green" Jean Yarbrough Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Les Crutchfield
April 2, 1960 (1960-04-02)
A Southern belle uses her charm to take over Dodge.
186 30 "The Ex-Urbanites" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 9, 1960 (1960-04-09)
Chester takes care of Doc when they're ambushed by a pair of outlaws.
187 31 "I Thee Wed" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Les Crutchfield
April 16, 1960 (1960-04-16)
A man keeps beating his wife after she pays the fine for his jail time.
188 32 "The Lady Killer" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 23, 1960 (1960-04-23)
Matt suspects Kitty's new saloon girl is a hired killer.
189 33 "Gentleman's Disagreement" Jesse Hibbs Les Crutchfield April 30, 1960 (1960-04-30)
A showdown is set to take place between the blacksmith and a gunman who used to court his wife.
190 34 "Speak Me Fair" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield May 7, 1960 (1960-05-07)
On a hunting trip, Matt, Doc and Chester find a savagely beaten Indian boy.
191 35 "Belle's Back" Jesse Hibbs Les Crutchfield May 14, 1960 (1960-05-14)
Belle Ainsley returns to Dodge, but doesn't receive a warm welcome.
192 36 "The Bobsy Twins" Jesse Hibbs John Meston May 21, 1960 (1960-05-21)
Twin brothers try to kill all Indians.
193 37 "Old Flame" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
May 28, 1960 (1960-05-28)
An old girlfriend asks Matt to protect her from her husband.
194 38 "The Deserter" Arthur Hiller Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
June 4, 1960 (1960-06-04)
A soldier and a civilian conspire to steal an Army payroll.
195 39 "Cherry Red" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield June 11, 1960 (1960-06-11)
Matt is reluctant to tell Cherry O'Dell that her husband's been killed.

Season 6 (1960-61)

38 half-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell; associate producer: James Arness
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[21]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
196 1 "Friend's Pay-Off" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
September 3, 1960 (1960-09-03)
A dying man claims that a friend of Matt's is a bank robber.
197 2 "The Blacksmith" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Norman MacDonnell
September 17, 1960 (1960-09-17)
Dodge's blacksmith plans his wedding to his mail-order bride.
198 3 "Small Water" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston September 24, 1960 (1960-09-24)
Matt is forced to kill a man for resisting arrest, only to incur the wrath of the man's family.
199 4 "Say Uncle" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 1, 1960 (1960-10-01)
A young man suspects his uncle of murdering his father.
200 5 "Shooting Stopover" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
October 8, 1960 (1960-10-08)
Matt tries to bring a killer to Wichita on a stagecoach carrying a stagecoach, a preacher and a huge shipment of gold.
201 6 "The Peace Officer" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Norman MacDonnell
October 15, 1960 (1960-10-15)
A former sheriff plans his revenge on Matt for firing him.
202 7 "Don Matteo" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
October 22, 1960 (1960-10-22)
Esteban Garcia arrives in Dodge to kill Grave Tabor, who's already been kicked out.
203 8 "The Worm" Arthur Hiller John Meston October 29, 1960 (1960-10-29)
A buffalo hunter comes to Dodge not only to sell his hides, but also to pick a fight.
204 9 "The Badge" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
November 12, 1960 (1960-11-12)
Matt is wounded and taken hostage by a pair of outlaws.
205 10 "Distant Drummer" Arthur Hiller Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
November 19, 1960 (1960-11-19)
Matt has trouble with a couple of troublesom mule skinners.
206 11 "Ben Tolliver's Stud" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Norman MacDonnell
November 26, 1960 (1960-11-26)
A ranch hand is accused of stealing a horse by his former boss.
207 12 "No Chip" Jean Yarbrough John Meston December 3, 1960 (1960-12-03)
A feud ensues when the Dolans' cattle stray onto the Mossmans' land.
208 13 "The Wake" Gerald Mayer John Meston December 10, 1960 (1960-12-10)
A drifter tries to give his friend a proper burial.
209 14 "The Cook" Ted Post John Meston December 17, 1960 (1960-12-17)
A drifter's cooking is preferred over the food at a local café.
210 15 "Old Fool" Ted Post John Meston December 24, 1960 (1960-12-24)
A widow pursues a married man.
211 16 "Brother Love" Franklin Adreon John Meston December 31, 1960 (1960-12-31)
A dying storekeeper's last word is Matt's only clue to finding the man who killed him.
212 17 "Bad Sheriff" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 7, 1961 (1961-01-07)
A desperado impersonates a sheriff and turns in a fellow outlaw.
213 18 "Unloaded Gun" Jesse Hibbs Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
January 14, 1961 (1961-01-14)
Matt catches a fever while tracking down outlaws.
214 19 "Tall Trapper" Harry Harris Jr. Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
January 21, 1961 (1961-01-21)
The morning after a couple take shelter with a trapper, the woman is found beaten to death.
215 20 "Love Thy Neighbor" Dennis Weaver John Meston January 28, 1961 (1961-01-28)
Peter Scooper starts a feud between his family and the Galloways when he takes potatoes from the Galloway farm.
216 21 "Bad Seed" Harry Harris Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Norman MacDonnell
February 4, 1961 (1961-02-04)
A girl asks Matt to save her from her alcoholic father.
217 22 "Kitty Shot" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston February 11, 1961 (1961-02-11)
Kitty gets shot trying to stop a fight in her saloon.
218 23 "About Chester" Alan Crosland Jr. Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Frank Paris
February 25, 1961 (1961-02-25)
Doc has gone missing and it's up to Chester to find him.
219 24 "Harriet" Gene Fowler Jr. John Meston March 4, 1961 (1961-03-04)
A girl comes to Dodge on foot after she witnesses her father' murder.
220 25 "Potshot" Harry Harris Jr. John Meston March 11, 1961 (1961-03-11)
Bank robbers bushwhack Chester on their way to Dodge.
221 26 "Old Faces" Harry Harris John Meston March 18, 1961 (1961-03-18)
There's something familiar about Tom Cook's new bride.
222 27 "Big Man" Gerald Mayer John Meston March 25, 1961 (1961-03-25)
Matt must prove his innocence when he's accused of beating a man to death.
223 28 "Little Girl" Dennis Weaver Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Kathleen Hite
April 1, 1961 (1961-04-01)
Matt and Chester find a burnt-down shack and a girl who claims her father died in the blaze.
224 29 "Stolen Horses" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Norman MacDonnell
April 8, 1961 (1961-04-08)
Matt and Chester track down a horse thief.
225 30 "Minnie" Harry Harris John Meston April 15, 1961 (1961-04-15)
A woman named Minnie Higgins falls in love with Doc.
226 31 "Bless Me Till I Die" Ted Post Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Ray Kemper
April 22, 1961 (1961-04-22)
A man nearly kills a couple on their way to Dodge.
227 32 "Long Hours, Short Pay" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 29, 1961 (1961-04-29)
A gunrunner gets the Pawnees mad in order to sell his weapons.
228 33 "Hard Virtue" Dennis Weaver John Meston May 6, 1961 (1961-05-06)
A man gets a job, unaware that his boss is trying to make a move on his wife.
229 34 "The Imposter" Byron Paul Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Kathleen Hite
May 13, 1961 (1961-05-13)
A man claims to be a sheriff from Texas, but a murder gets everyone suspicious about him.
230 35 "Chester's Dilemma" Ted Post Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Vic Perrin
May 20, 1961 (1961-05-20)
Chester learns a terrible secret about a girl who's sweet on him.
231 36 "The Love of Money" Ted Post John Meston May 27, 1961 (1961-05-27)
A retired lawman falls for a saloon hostess on his way to a new life.
232 37 "Melinda Miles" William D. Faralla John Meston June 3, 1961 (1961-06-03)
A woman is torn between the man she loves and the one her father picked for her.
233 38 "Colorado Sheriff" Jesse Hibbs John Meston June 17, 1961 (1961-06-17)
Matt and Chester must find out who shot two strangers from Colorado.

One-hour black-and-white era

1961/62 through 1965/66
176 black-and-white full-hour episodes
(all two-parters counted as two individual hour-long episodes)

Season 7 (1961-62)

34 one-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell; associate producer: Frank Paris
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty)[22]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
234 1 "Perce" Harry Harris John Meston September 30, 1961 (1961-09-30)
An outlaw named Perce McCall helps Matt fend off three gunmen, much to everyone's surprise.
235 2 "Old Yellow Boots" Ted Post John Meston October 7, 1961 (1961-10-07)
Since a fortune-hunting cowboy is engaged to a wealthy woman, he's suspected of murdering her brother, who objected to their union.
236 3 "Miss Kitty" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite October 14, 1961 (1961-10-14)
When Kitty takes a young boy off the stagecoach one night, Matt attempts to figure out his identity.
237 4 "Harper's Blood" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 21, 1961 (1961-10-21)
A man tries to balance the "bad blood" between his sons upon learning that his wife's grandfather was a murderer.
238 5 "All That" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 28, 1961 (1961-10-28)
A rancher tries to save his property from foreclosure.
239 6 "Long, Long Trail" Andrew V. McLaglen Kathleen Hite November 4, 1961 (1961-11-04)
Matt accompanies a young woman on a treacherous journey across the desert where they face sandstorms, thirst and Indians.
240 7 "The Squaw" Gerald Mayer John Dunkel November 11, 1961 (1961-11-11)
A fun-loving man tries to make up for lost time after his wife dies.
241 8 "Chesterland" Ted Post Kathleen Hite November 18, 1961 (1961-11-18)
Chester purchases a piece of land when he gets engaged.
242 9 "Milly" Richard Whorf Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Hal Moffett
November 25, 1961 (1961-11-25)
Milly Glover decides to marry the first available in order to support herself and her brother.
243 10 "Indian Ford" Andrew V. McLaglen John Dunkel December 2, 1961 (1961-12-02)
Matt helps an Indian-hating officer find a white girl, hoping the search will not end in violence.
244 11 "Apprentice Doc" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite December 9, 1961 (1961-12-09)
Doc is kidnapped by a gang of outlaws to treat one who's been injured and another turns out to be an expert in medicine.
245 12 "Nina's Revenge" Tay Garnett John Meston December 16, 1961 (1961-12-16)
Nina Sharky hatches a plan to get away from her tight-fisted father and fortune-hunting husband.
246 13 "Marry Me" Dennis Weaver Kathleen Hite December 23, 1961 (1961-12-23)
Sweet Billy Cathcart tries to find a woman for his big brother since family custom dictates that the oldest get married first.
247 14 "A Man a Day" Harry Harris John Meston December 30, 1961 (1961-12-30)
Outlaws threaten to kill someone every day unless Matt gets out of town.
248 15 "The Do-Badder" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 6, 1962 (1962-01-06)
A pair of drifters plot to ambush a prospector who's on his way to Dodge after striking big.
249 16 "Lacey" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite January 13, 1962 (1962-01-13)
A man is suspected of murdering his fiancée's father.
250 17 "Cody's Code" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 20, 1962 (1962-01-20)
A wounded outlaw jeopardizes Cody Durham's courtship with Rose Loring.
251 18 "Old Dan" Andrew V. McLaglen Kathleen Hite January 27, 1962 (1962-01-27)
Doc tries to keep an alcoholic off the bottle.
252 19 "Catawomper" Harry Harris Teleplay: John Meston
Story: James Favor
February 10, 1962 (1962-02-10)
A woman tries to make her boyfriend jealous when she's had enough of his attitude.
253 20 "Half Straight" Ted Post John Meston February 17, 1962 (1962-02-17)
Matt is stalked by a hired killer.
254 21 "He Learned About Women" Tay Garnett Teleplay: John Meston
Story: John Rosser
February 24, 1962 (1962-02-24)
Matt goes after a band of comancheros who raided a camp and kidnapped a girl.
255 22 "The Gallows" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston March 3, 1962 (1962-03-03)
Matt is certain that the convicted murderer he's taking to the gallows is innocent.
256 23 "Reprisal" Harry Harris John Meston March 10, 1962 (1962-03-10)
A woman plots her revenge on Matt for killing her husband in a gunfight.
257 24 "Coventry" Christian Nyby John Meston March 17, 1962 (1962-03-17)
A man and his expectant wife are stranded on the prairie and Dean Beard is unwilling to help them, especially since he's been ostracized after being acquitted of murder.
258 25 "The Widow" Ted Post John Dunkel March 24, 1962 (1962-03-24)
A widow arrives in Dodge to witness the shenanigans of town drunk Emil Peck.
259 26 "Durham Bull" Harry Harris Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Jack Shettlesworth
March 31, 1962 (1962-03-31)
A gang's luck turns around when they come to Dodge.
260 27 "Wagon Girls" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 7, 1962 (1962-04-07)
Matt meets a mail-order bride on the prairie who claims she's trying to run away from a ruthless wagon master.
261 28 "The Dealer" Harry Harris Television Story and Teleplay: John Dunkel
Based on a Story by: Les Crutchfield
April 14, 1962 (1962-04-14)
A woman resents her suitor more than ever when he kills her father in self-defense.
262 29 "The Summons" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: Marian Clark
April 21, 1962 (1962-04-21)
An outlaw kills his partner for a huge reward, except there was never a price in the first place.
263 30 "The Dreamers" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 28, 1962 (1962-04-28)
A miner tries to use his new-found wealth to win over Kitty.
264 31 "Cale" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite May 5, 1962 (1962-05-05)
A young rider is wounded when he's suspected of being a horse thief's accomplice.
265 32 "Chester's Indian" Joseph Sargent Kathleen Hite May 12, 1962 (1962-05-12)
While on a fishing trip, Chester shoots an Indian who was courting a white teenage girl, whom Matt tries to save from her ruthless father.
266 33 "The Prisoner" Andrew V. McLaglen Robert E. Thompson May 19, 1962 (1962-05-19)
A military prison escapee shows up in Dodge.
267 34 "The Boys" Harry Harris John Meston May 26, 1962 (1962-05-26)
A snake-oil pitchman hatches a scheme to swindle the citizens of Dodge.

Season 8 (1962-63)

38 one-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell; associate producer: Frank Paris
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper)[23]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
268 1 "The Search" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 15, 1962 (1962-09-15)
A suspected horse thief tries to survive in the wilderness when he gets hurt fleeing from his pursuers.
269 2 "Call Me Dodie" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 22, 1962 (1962-09-22)
Matt meets a girl who ran away from an orphanage that functions like a prison.
270 3 "Quint Asper Comes Home" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston September 29, 1962 (1962-09-29)
A half-Indian named Quint Asper vows revenge on all white men when a pair of drifters kill his father and threaten his mother.
271 4 "Root Down" Sobey Martin Kathleen Hite October 6, 1962 (1962-10-06)
A woman attempts to lure Chester into marriage.
272 5 "Jenny" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 13, 1962 (1962-10-13)
An outlaw's girl takes a shine to Matt.
273 6 "Collie's Free" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite October 20, 1962 (1962-10-20)
After spending eight years in prison, Collie Patten plots his revenge on Matt.
274 7 "The Ditch" Harry Harris Les Crutchfield October 27, 1962 (1962-10-27)
Matt tries to prevent a range war as a rancher takes steps to cut off the homesteaders' water supply.
275 8 "The Trappers" Andrew V. McLaglen John Dunkel November 3, 1962 (1962-11-03)
The friendship between two trappers is ruined when one leaves the other to die during an Indian attack.
276 9 "Phoebe Strunk" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston November 10, 1962 (1962-11-10)
Phoebe Strunk and her murderous clan terrorize Dodge.
277 10 "The Hunger" Harry Harris Jack Curtis November 17, 1962 (1962-11-17)
Matt comes to the rescue when a father and son abuse the mother and daughter.
278 11 "Abe Blocker" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston November 24, 1962 (1962-11-24)
Matt pursues a frontiersman who's using force to take homesteaders' land.
279 12 "The Way It Is" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite December 1, 1962 (1962-12-01)
Kitty meets an injured traveler after Matt breaks a date with her.
280 13 "Us Haggens" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield December 8, 1962 (1962-12-08)
Matt hunts down outlaw Black Jack Haggen and is assisted by the killer's nephew Festus, who has his own reasons for wanting to find his uncle.
281 14 "Uncle Sunday" Joseph Sargent John Meston December 15, 1962 (1962-12-15)
Chester's uncle Sunday comes to visit, and Chester's plan to shorten that visit doesn't exactly work out.
282 15 "False Front" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Hal Moffett
December 22, 1962 (1962-12-22)
A gambler makes a bet that a man who's never used a gun can pass as a gunslinger.
283 16 "Old Comrade" Harry Harris John Dunkel December 29, 1962 (1962-12-29)
A fall guy learns that his father, a general, is dying.
284 17 "Louis Pheeters" Harry Harris John Meston January 5, 1963 (1963-01-05)
The town drunk witnesses a man killing his wife's alleged lover.
285 18 "The Renegades" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston January 12, 1963 (1963-01-12)
Quint tries to convince an Army officer that white renegades are responsible for starting the latest Indian uprising.
286 19 "Cotter's Girl" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite January 19, 1963 (1963-01-19)
Matt attempts to civilize a teenage mountain girl.
287 20 "The Bad One" Charles Martin Gwen Bagni January 26, 1963 (1963-01-26)
Matt must find out why a woman is refusing to identify a stagecoach robber.
288 21 "The Cousin" Harry Harris Teleplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: Marian Clark
February 2, 1963 (1963-02-02)
Matt's foster brother forces him into a showdown.
289 22 "Shona" Ted Post John Meston February 9, 1963 (1963-02-09)
As the citizens of Dodge deal with the strain of Indian raids, a farmer brings his ailing Indian wife into town for treatment.
290 23 "Ash" Harry Harris John Meston February 16, 1963 (1963-02-16)
The friendship between business partners is jeopardized when one of them sustains a head injury, changing his personality.
291 24 "Blind Man's Bluff" Ted Post John Meston February 23, 1963 (1963-02-23)
While searching for a murderer, Matt is beaten so badly he can't see straight.
292 25 "Quint's Indian" Fred Jackman, Jr. Teleplay: John Meston
Story: Marian Clark
March 2, 1963 (1963-03-02)
Quint is accused of horse theft and beaten by a group of vigilantes.
293 26 "Anybody Can Kill a Marshal" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite March 9, 1963 (1963-03-09)
A pair of outlaws hire a drifter to do what they couldn't: kill Matt Dillon.
294 27 "Two of a Kind" Andrew V. McLaglen Merwin Gerard March 16, 1963 (1963-03-16)
Matt gets caught in the middle of a feud between two immigrants.
295 28 "I Call Him Wonder" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite March 23, 1963 (1963-03-23)
The bigoted citizens of Dodge refuse to hire a drifter just because he's picked up an orphaned Indian boy.
296 29 "With a Smile" Andrew V. McLaglen Teleplay: John Meston
Based on a story by: Bud Furillo & George Main
March 30, 1963 (1963-03-30)
A powerful rancher's spoiled son gets violent when a pretty girl rebuffs his affections.
297 30 "The Far Places" Harry Harris John Dunkel April 6, 1963 (1963-04-06)
Matt tries to ease the tension between a rancher and her son.
298 31 "Panacea Sykes" William Conrad Kathleen Hite April 13, 1963 (1963-04-13)
The elderly Panacea Sykes is a conniving thief bent on robbing Kitty.
299 32 "Tell Chester" Joseph Sargent Frank Paris April 20, 1963 (1963-04-20)
A girl Chester likes has no idea that the man she has her eye on is already married.
300 33 "Quint-Cident" Andrew V. McLaglen Kathleen Hite April 27, 1963 (1963-04-27)
Quint incurs the wrath of a widow he turned down.
301 34 "Old York" Harry Harris John Meston May 4, 1963 (1963-05-04)
Matt comes face to face with the outlaw who saved his life long ago.
302 35 "Daddy Went Away" Joseph Sargent Teleplay: Kathleen Hite
Story: John Rosser
May 11, 1963 (1963-05-11)
A widow returns Chesters affections.
303 36 "The Odyssey of Jubal Tanner" Andrew V. McLaglen Paul Savage May 18, 1963 (1963-05-18)
A saloon girl and a drifter team up to find the man who murdered the girl's fiancė and shot the drifter.
304 37 "Jeb" Harry Harris Paul Savage May 25, 1963 (1963-05-25)
A man buys an allegedly stolen horse from a farm boy, which proves to be a big mistake.
305 38 "The Quest for Asa Janin" Andrew V. McLaglen Paul Savage June 1, 1963 (1963-06-01)
Matt becomes convinced that Dave Ingalls is innocent of murder, so he sets out to find the real killer before Ingalls is wrongfully hanged.

Season 9 (1963-64)

36 one-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell; associate producer: Frank Paris
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Chester), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Ken Curtis (Festus), Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper)[24]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
306 1 "Kate Heller" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 28, 1963 (1963-09-28)
A young man commits murder and ambushes Matt.
307 2 "Lover Boy" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 5, 1963 (1963-10-05)
A ladies' man takes up with a married woman. Last episode in which Ken Curtis appears as a character other than Festus.
308 3 "Legends Don't Sleep" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite October 12, 1963 (1963-10-12)
After getting out of prison, an infamous gunman meets a cocky young man eager to cash in on his reputation.
309 4 "Tobe" John English Paul Savage October 19, 1963 (1963-10-19)
Tobe Hostader befriends a saloon girl whose ex-boyfriend is near.
310 5 "Easy Come" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston October 26, 1963 (1963-10-26)
Elmo Sippy may seem polite on the outside, but he's a murderer on the inside.
311 6 "My Sister's Keeper" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite November 2, 1963 (1963-11-02)
A grief-stricken widower gets a job as a hired hand for two sisters.
312 7 "Quint's Trail" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite November 9, 1963 (1963-11-09)
Quint guides a family on a hazardous trail to Oregon.
313 8 "Carter Caper" Jerry Hopper John Meston November 16, 1963 (1963-11-16)
A man gets beaten up for trying to steal another man's horse, so he plots his revenge.
314 9 "Ex-Con" Thomas Carr John Meston November 30, 1963 (1963-11-30)
An ex-convict comes to Dodge with the intention of shooting Matt dead.
315 10 "Extradition: Part 1" John English Antony Ellis December 7, 1963 (1963-12-07)
Matt tracks an accused murderer to Texas.
316 11 "Extradition: Part 2" John English Antony Ellis December 14, 1963 (1963-12-14)
Matt tries to convince the authorities that he's a marshal when he's thrown in a Mexican prison.
317 12 "The Magician" Harry Harris John A. Kneubuhl December 21, 1963 (1963-12-21)
A traveling medicine man is accused of cheating at cards.
318 13 "Pa Hack's Brood" Jerry Hopper Paul Savage December 28, 1963 (1963-12-28)
The patriarch of the Brood family tries to get his daughter to marry a wealthy rancher in order to have a life luxury.
319 14 "The Glory and the Mud" Jerry Hopper Gwen Bagni January 4, 1964 (1964-01-04)
A young man tries to make a name for himself as a fast draw when Matt turns him down as deputy.
320 15 "Dry Well" Harry Harris John Meston January 11, 1964 (1964-01-11)
A recently married woman takes the first opportunity to welcome a stranger into her home.
321 16 "Prairie Wolfer" Andrew V. McLaglen John Dunkel January 18, 1964 (1964-01-18)
Someone or something is slaughtering cattle.
322 17 "Friend" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite January 25, 1964 (1964-01-25)
Matt heads to a nearby town to investigate a friend's death.
323 18 "Once a Haggen" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield February 1, 1964 (1964-02-01)
A friend of Festus's is accused of murdering the man who bested them at poker.
324 19 "No Hands" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston February 8, 1964 (1964-02-08)
Doc is threatened by the Ginnis clan when he fails to respond quickly to their demands for treatment.
325 20 "May Blossoms" Andrew V. McLaglen Kathleen Hite February 15, 1964 (1964-02-15)
Festus's cousin Mayblossom comes to town to marry him because of a pact between their fathers.
326 21 "The Bassops" Andrew V. McLaglen Tom Hanley February 22, 1964 (1964-02-22)
A family finds Matt and a prisoner handcuffed to one another - with the prisoner claiming to be the marshal.
327 22 "The Kite" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston February 29, 1964 (1964-02-29)
Matt must stop a killer from realizing his victim's daughter was a witness.
328 23 "Comanches Is Soft" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite March 7, 1964 (1964-03-07)
After spending a wild night in Wichita, Quint and Festus deal with a saloon girl who claims they invited her to Dodge.
329 24 "Father's Love" Harry Harris John Meston March 14, 1964 (1964-03-14)
A woman learns that the man who tried to have his way with her is her husband's uncle.
330 25 "Now That April's Here" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield March 21, 1964 (1964-03-21)
The only ones who believe Festus's girlfiend witnessed a murder are the killers themselves.
331 26 "Caleb" Harry Harris Paul Savage March 28, 1964 (1964-03-28)
Caleb Marr comes to Dodge in search of adventure when he grows tured of his farming.
332 27 "Owney Tupper Had a Daughter" Jerry Hopper Paul Savage April 4, 1964 (1964-04-04)
Owney Tupper decides to take action when he's forced to give up custody of his daughter.
333 28 "Bently" Harry Harris John A. Kneubuhl April 11, 1964 (1964-04-11)
Chester doubts a man's deathbed murder confession, so he sets out to find the real killer.
334 29 "Kitty Cornered" John Brahm Kathleen Hite April 18, 1964 (1964-04-18)
A rival saloon owner forces Kitty into a deadly competition.
335 30 "The Promoter" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston April 25, 1964 (1964-04-25)
An ex-farmer decides to become a fight promoter to make his fortune.
336 31 "Trip West" Harry Harris John Dunkel May 2, 1964 (1964-05-02)
A timid bank clerk goes through a surprising change in personality when he's told he only has a short time to live.
337 32 "Scot Free" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite May 9, 1964 (1964-05-09)
Rob Scot leaves his family and prepares to start a new life Nora Brand - after they dispose of her husband's body.
338 33 "The Warden" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield May 16, 1964 (1964-05-16)
Festus protects a young Indian maiden from a farmer who bought her from her father.
339 34 "Homecoming" Harry Harris Shimon Bar-David[B] May 23, 1964 (1964-05-23)
The ex-husband of Hector Lowell's wife claims that the Lowells' home, land and business belong to him.
340 35 "The Other Half" Andrew V. McLaglen John Dunkel May 30, 1964 (1964-05-30)
A love triangle between a girl and twin brothers turns tragic.
341 36 "Journey for Three" Harry Harris Frank Paris June 6, 1964 (1964-06-06)
A stranger accompanies two brothers on their trip to California.

Season 10 (1964-65)

36 one-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Norman Macdonnell (episodes 342–348, 350, 352, 361, 367), Philip Leacock (episodes 349, 351, 353–360, 362–366, 368–377); associate producer: Frank Paris
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Milburn Stone (Doc), Ken Curtis (Festus), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper)[25]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
342 1 "Blue Heaven" Michael O'Herlihy Les Crutchfield September 26, 1964 (1964-09-26)
A young man and a fugitive team up as they run from their respective pursuers.
343 2 "Crooked Mile" Andrew V. McLaglen Les Crutchfield October 3, 1964 (1964-10-03)
A girl's whip-wielding father does not approve of her romance with Quint.
344 3 "Old Man" Harry Harris John Meston October 10, 1964 (1964-10-10)
Matt must find out who killed Joe Silva when an old man is framed for the crime.
345 4 "The Violators" Harry Harris John Dunkel October 17, 1964 (1964-10-17)
A man's scalping leads the citizens of Dodge to suspect the Indians of doing the deed.
346 5 "Doctor's Wife" Harry Harris George Eckstein October 24, 1964 (1964-10-24)
A new doctor arrives in Dodge and his wife starts a smear campaign against Doc Adams.
347 6 "Take Her, She's Cheap" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite October 31, 1964 (1964-10-31)
A grateful family gives Matt their daughter to be his bride.
348 7 "Help Me, Kitty" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite November 7, 1964 (1964-11-07)
Kitty and an unmarried expectant mother end up in the desert when bandits attack their stagecoach.
349 8 "Hung High" Mark Rydell John Meston November 14, 1964 (1964-11-14)
A lawman-hater causes trouble for Matt and a retired marshal.
350 9 "Jonah Hutchinson" Harry Harris Calvin Clements, Sr. November 21, 1964 (1964-11-21)
After spending 30 years in prison, Jonah Hutchinson sets out to rebuild his ranching empire.
351 10 "Big Man, Big Target" Michael O'Herlihy John Mantley November 28, 1964 (1964-11-28)
Pike Beechum plots to off his lover's husband.
352 11 "Chicken" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston December 5, 1964 (1964-12-05)
A meek man is given credit for killing four outlaws.
353 12 "Innocence" Harry Harris John Meston December 12, 1964 (1964-12-12)
The hatred between two men is intensified by their affections for the same girl.
354 13 "Aunt Thede" Sutton Roley Kathleen Hite December 19, 1964 (1964-12-19)
Festus's aunt Thede and a young woman named Ivy Norton both seek to get married.
355 14 "Hammerhead" Christian Nyby Antony Ellis December 26, 1964 (1964-12-26)
A wealthy gambler comes to Dodge to buy horses, leading rival traders to have a race to demonstrate the speed of their steeds.
356 15 "Double Entry" Joseph Sargent Les Crutchfield January 2, 1965 (1965-01-02)
Brad McCain tries to take advantage of his friendship with Matt.
357 16 "Run, Sheep, Run" Harry Harris John Meston January 9, 1965 (1965-01-09)
A man causes trouble for a young couple when he buys a ranch from them and refuses to pay for a year.
358 17 "Deputy Festus" Harry Harris Calvin Clements, Sr. January 16, 1965 (1965-01-16)
Festus, now Matt's deputy, learns that the drunken trappers he put in jail are his cousins.
359 18 "One Killer on Ice" Joseph H. Lewis Richard Carr January 23, 1965 (1965-01-23)
Two bounty hunters talk Matt into protecting them and their prisoner from ambush.
360 19 "Chief Joseph" Mark Rydell Teleplay: Clyde Ware
Story: Thomas Warner
January 30, 1965 (1965-01-30)
A desperately ill chief causes tension when he lodges in the Dodge House.
361 20 "Circus Trick" William F. Claxton Les Crutchfield February 6, 1965 (1965-02-06)
Festus's girlfriend joins a circus troupe.
362 21 "Song for Dying" Allen Reisner Harry Kronman February 13, 1965 (1965-02-13)
A carefree minstrel faces the wrath of the vengeful Lukens clan.
363 22 "Winner Take All" Vincent McEveety Les Crutchfield February 20, 1965 (1965-02-20)
Matt intervenes when an intese feud between the Renner brothers reaches its breaking point.
364 23 "Eliab's Aim" Richard C. Sarafian Will Corry February 27, 1965 (1965-02-27)
Festus's nephew Eliab comes gunning for him.
365 24 "Thursday's Child" Joseph H. Lewis Robert Lewin March 6, 1965 (1965-03-06)
Doc falls for a woman who seems to be haunted by her past.
366 25 "Breckinridge" Vincent McEveety Les Crutchfield March 13, 1965 (1965-03-13)
A lawyer from the east questions Matt's every move.
367 26 "Bank Baby" Andrew V. McLaglen John Meston March 20, 1965 (1965-03-20)
Bert Clum plots to rob pilgrim families in nearby camps.
368 27 "The Lady" Mark Rydell John Mantley March 27, 1965 (1965-03-27)
A woman who used to be rich takes a job at the Long Branch while she and her niece are on their way to San Francisco.
369 28 "Dry Road to Nowhere" Vincent McEveety Harry Kronman April 3, 1965 (1965-04-03)
Matt must find out why a gunman is stalking a temperance preacher.
370 29 "Twenty Miles from Dodge" Mark Rydell Clyde Ware April 10, 1965 (1965-04-10)
A gang of outlaws abduct Kitty and her fellow stagecoach passengers.
371 30 "The Pariah" Harry Harris Calvin Clements, Sr. April 17, 1965 (1965-04-17)
An immigrant's life improves when he kills an outlaw - at least for a while.
372 31 "Gilt Guilt" Harry Harris Kathleen Hite April 24, 1965 (1965-04-24)
Doc treats a woman and her son for scurvy.
373 32 "Bad Lady from Brookline" Michael O'Herlihy Gustave Field May 1, 1965 (1965-05-01)
A woman tries to raise her son in Dodge after her husband is killed in a gunfight.
374 33 "Two Tall Men" Vincent McEveety Frank Q. Dobbs & Robert Stewart, Jr. May 8, 1965 (1965-05-08)
Matt faces fear and hostility in Ridge Town where he investigates an old murder case.
375 34 "Honey Pot" Harry Harris John Meston May 15, 1965 (1965-05-15)
Newcomer Ben Stack makes a play for saloon girl Honey Dare.
376 35 "The New Society" Joseph Sargent Calvin Clements, Sr. May 22, 1965 (1965-05-22)
A cowboy admires a buffalo hunter too much to admit that the buffalo hunter is also a thief.
377 36 "He Who Steals" Harry Harris John Meston May 29, 1965 (1965-05-29)
Festus goes after the bandits who robbed and assaulted Doc.

Season 11 (1965-66)

32 one-hour episodes, black-and-white
Producer: Philip Leacock; associate producer: John Mantley
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Roger Ewing (Thad)[26]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
378 1 "Seven Hours to Dawn" Vincent McEveety Clyde Ware September 18, 1965 (1965-09-18)
A treacherous gang of outlaws take over Dodge.
379 2 "The Storm" Joseph Sargent Paul Savage September 25, 1965 (1965-09-25)
A buffalo hunter is sentenced to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit, the real culprits being the sons of Matt's old friend Adam Benteen.
380 3 "Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood" Joseph Sargent Calvin Clements, Sr. October 2, 1965 (1965-10-02)
Thad Greenwood trails the four tough guys who caused his father to have a fatal heart attack.
381 4 "Ten Little Indians" Mark Rydell George Eckstein October 9, 1965 (1965-10-09)
Matt must out who hired the gunfighters he's been facing in and out of Dodge.
382 5 "Taps for Old Jeb" James Sheldon Les Crutchfield October 16, 1965 (1965-10-16)
Prospector Jeb Carter hires a bodyguard to protect his gold after years of searching finally pay off.
383 6 "Kioga" Harry Harris Robert Lewin October 23, 1965 (1965-10-23)
A young wounded Indian hunts down the fur trader who killed his father and attacked her sister.
384 7 "The Bounty Hunter" Harry Harris Paul Savage October 30, 1965 (1965-10-30)
A bounty hunter comes out of retirement to find the man who murdered a rich rancher's son.
385 8 "The Reward" Marc Daniels Gilbert Ralston, Scott Hunt & Beth Keele November 6, 1965 (1965-11-06)
A convicted gold-mine swindler gets out of prison to resume mining - with money he's accused of stealing.
386 9 "Malachi" Gary Nelson William Putman November 13, 1965 (1965-11-13)
Town drunk Malachi Harper poses as marshal just to impress his brother.
387 10 "The Pretender" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. November 20, 1965 (1965-11-20)
The Dano brothers return home from prison to a dying mother and a bitter father.
388 11 "South Wind" Allen Reisner Jack Bartlett November 27, 1965 (1965-11-27)
A boy goes into hiding after witnessing his father's murder.
389 12 "The Hostage" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: Clyde Ware
Story: Jo Ann Johnson
December 4, 1965 (1965-12-04)
Four convicts take Matt hostage on their way to Mexico.
390 13 "Outlaw's Woman" Mark Rydell Clyde Ware December 11, 1965 (1965-12-11)
Matt is surprised to see that the fleeing train robber he shot is a woman.
391 14 "The Avengers" Vincent McEveety Donn Mullally December 18, 1965 (1965-12-18)
A judge and his two sons plot their revenge when they suspect Festus and Kitty of murdering a member of their family.
392 15 "Gold Mine" Abner Biberman Scott Hunt & Beth Keele December 25, 1965 (1965-12-25)
Kitty meets a young mute boy in a rough mining town where she's come claim a gold mine.
393 16 "Death Watch" Mark Rydell Calvin Clements, Sr. January 8, 1966 (1966-01-08)
Matt attempts to protect a wounded outlaw from a pair of bounty hunters.
394 17 "Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs" Alvin Ganzer Gustave Field January 15, 1966 (1966-01-15)
Festus's nephew Billy comes to Dodge to find a wife.
395 18 "The Raid: Part 1" Vincent McEveety Clyde Ware January 22, 1966 (1966-01-22)
A band out of outlaws terrorize Dodge.
396 19 "The Raid: Part 2" Vincent McEveety Clyde Ware January 29, 1966 (1966-01-29)
The outlaws take Doc hostage after they rob the bank and set Dodge on fire.
397 20 "Killer at Large" Marc Daniels Calvin Clements, Sr. February 5, 1966 (1966-02-05)
Festus flees Dodge after killing a medicine-show sharpshooter in a gunfight.
398 21 "My Father's Guitar" Robert Totten Hal Sitowitz February 12, 1966 (1966-02-12)
A wanderer believes his father's guitar is worth killing for.
399 22 "Wishbone" Marc Daniels Paul Savage February 19, 1966 (1966-02-19)
Matt goes after three bandits who robbed a stagecoach and killed the driver and guard.
400 23 "Sanctuary" Harry Harris Calvin Clements, Sr. February 26, 1966 (1966-02-26)
A bank robber takes refuge in a church where he holds the pastor and two women hostage.
401 24 "Honor Before Justice" Harry Harris Teleplay: Frank Q. Dobbs
Story: Frank Q. Dobbs & Robert Stewart, Jr.
March 5, 1966 (1966-03-05)
An Indian girl's father is sentenced to die for a murder he didn't commit.
402 25 "The Brothers" Tay Garnett Tom Hanley March 12, 1966 (1966-03-12)
Matt captures a young outlaw, who waits for his brother to free him.
403 26 "Which Dr." Peter Graves Les Crutchfield March 19, 1966 (1966-03-19)
Buffalo hunters kidnap Doc and Festus.
404 27 "Harvest" Harry Harris Les Crutchfield March 26, 1966 (1966-03-26)
Ben Payson's daughter falls for one of the Scottish homesteaders who have threatened to take his land.
405 28 "By Line" Allen Reisner Les Crutchfield April 9, 1966 (1966-04-09)
Despite his illiteracy, Festus becomes a reporter for Dodge's new paper.
406 29 "Treasure of John Walking Fox" Marc Daniels Teleplay: Clyde Ware
Story: Leo Bagby
April 16, 1966 (1966-04-16)
A hunter and his companion are taunted by the bigoted townspeople of Dodge.
407 30 "My Father, My Son" Robert Totten Hal Sitowitz April 23, 1966 (1966-04-23)
A gunslinger kills a young man out to gain a reputation, then faces the wrath of the dead man's family.
408 31 "Parson Comes to Town" Marc Daniels Verne Jay April 30, 1966 (1966-04-30)
A stranger wearing a murdered preacher's coat causes tension in Dodge when he announces his intention to watch someone die.
409 32 "Prime of Life" Robert Totten Daniel B. Ullman May 7, 1966 (1966-05-07)
Young Kyle Stoner is involved with a pair of thieves who beat up Festus.

One-hour color era

1966/67 through 1974/75
226 color episodes (all full-hour)
(all two- or three-parters counted as two or three individual hour-long episodes)

Season 12 (1966-67)

29 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: Philip Leacock; producer: John Mantley
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Roger Ewing (Thad)
CBS cancelled the series due to low ratings. However, letters of protest and pressure from his wife persuaded William S. Paley, the network's chief executive, to re-instate Gunsmoke for a thirteenth season.[27][28]
Note: In 1997 TV Guide ranked "The Jailer" as episode number 28 on its "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time" list.[29]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
410 1 "Snap Decision" Mark Rydell Richard Carr September 17, 1966 (1966-09-17)
Matt turns in his badge after being forced to kill a horse thief who was once his friend.
411 2 "The Goldtakers" Vincent McEveety Clyde Ware September 24, 1966 (1966-09-24)
An outlaw brings his cohorts to Dodge to melt down the shipment of gold they've stolen.
412 3 "The Jailer" Vincent McEveety Hal Sitowitz October 1, 1966 (1966-10-01)
A powerful matriarch plots her revenge on Matt for having her husband hanged six years ago.
413 4 "The Mission" Mark Rydell Richard Carr October 8, 1966 (1966-10-08)
While in Mexico, Matt has his badge, horse and prisoner stolen by Americans.
414 5 "The Good People" Robert Totten James Landis October 15, 1966 (1966-10-15)
Matt uses a young man's guilty conscience to find the men responsible for lynching a suspected rustler.
415 6 "Gunfighter, R.I.P." Mark Rydell Story: Michael Fisher
Teleplay: Hal Sitowitz
October 22, 1966 (1966-10-22)
A gunslinger hired to kill Matt reconsiders when a Chinese girl tends to his wounds.
416 7 "The Wrong Man" Robert Totten Teleplay: Clyde Ware
Story: Robert Lewin
October 29, 1966 (1966-10-29)
A farmer is charged with murdering the card shark who won his borrowed money.
417 8 "The Whispering Tree" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. November 12, 1966 (1966-11-12)
An ex-convict returns home to find the loot he stashed.
418 9 "The Well" Marc Daniels Francis Cockrell November 19, 1966 (1966-11-19)
When Dodge is struck by a drought, Festus looks for water and Matt uses a rainmaker to give the people hope.
419 10 "Stage Stop" Irving J. Moore Hal Sitowitz November 26, 1966 (1966-11-26)
Doc takes a stand against bandits at a stage stop along with a pregnant woman and a blind man.
420 11 "The Newcomers" Robert Totten Calvin Clements, Sr. December 3, 1966 (1966-12-03)
An immigrant must decide whether to pay off a blackmailer who claims to have seen the immigrant's son commit murder.
421 12 "Quaker Girl" Bernard L. Kowalski Preston Wood December 10, 1966 (1966-12-10)
After being deputized, Thad deals with mistaken indentity and a pair of outlaws as he takes a killer across the plains.
422 13 "The Moonstone" Richard A. Colla Paul Savage December 17, 1966 (1966-12-17)
An ex-criminal fears that a conflict involving his girlfriend, brother and old partner will reveal his past.
423 14 "Champion of the World" Marc Daniels Les Crutchfield December 24, 1966 (1966-12-24)
An ex-fighter and a con artist conspire to persuade Kitty into selling the Long Branch.
424 15 "The Hanging" Bernard L. Kowalski Teleplay: Calvin Clements, Sr.
Story: Calvin Clements, Jr.
December 31, 1966 (1966-12-31)
Matt must determine how and when the partners of a murderer he has in custody will make their move.
425 16 "Saturday Night" Robert Totten Clyde Ware January 7, 1967 (1967-01-07)
One of the drovers in a cattle drive plans to free Matt's prisoner.
426 17 "Mad Dog" Charles R. Rondeau Jay Simms January 14, 1967 (1967-01-14)
Festus is mistaken for a hired gunman in the town of Bucklin.
427 18 "Muley" Allen Reisner Les Crutchfield January 21, 1967 (1967-01-21)
Although a young outlaw has wounded Matt, he's unable to concentrate on finishing the marshal off because of his affections for a girl.
428 19 "Mail Drop" Robert Totten Calvin Clements, Sr. January 28, 1967 (1967-01-28)
A boy comes looking for his father, unaware that he's a wanted outlaw.
429 20 "Old Friend" Allen Reisner Clyde Ware February 4, 1967 (1967-02-04)
Marshal Burl Masters trails the gang of outlaws who burned his town and ran off with his woman.
430 21 "Fandango" James Landis Don Ingalls February 11, 1967 (1967-02-11)
A rancher is stalking Matt and his prisoner.
431 22 "The Returning" Marc Daniels James Landis February 18, 1967 (1967-02-18)
An honest woman in need of money faces temptation when her outlaw husband goes on the lam, leaving her $20,000.
432 23 "The Lure" Marc Daniels Clyde Ware February 25, 1967 (1967-02-25)
Kitty is abducted by an outlaw and tries to turn his daughter against him to escape.
433 24 "Noose of Gold" Irving J. Moore Clyde Ware March 4, 1967 (1967-03-04)
A state official uses Matt's friendship with an outlaw for personal gain.
434 25 "The Favor" Marc Daniels Don Ingalls March 11, 1967 (1967-03-11)
Kitty is torn between Matt and the man he's looking for - a vengeful killer who once saved her life.
435 26 "Mistaken Identity" Robert Totten Paul Savage and Les Crutchfield March 18, 1967 (1967-03-18)
A fugitive learns that the man whose identity he's using is brought in by Matt.
436 27 "Ladies from St. Louis" Irving J. Moore Clyde Ware March 25, 1967 (1967-03-25)
A group of nuns bring their injured protector to Dodge -- without mentioning he's a former criminal.
437 28 "Nitro: Part 1" Robert Totten Preston Wood April 8, 1967 (1967-04-08)
A gang hires a drifter to mix nitroglycerin for them.
438 29 "Nitro: Part 2" Robert Totten Preston Wood April 15, 1967 (1967-04-15)
The drifter hired by the gang mixes one last batch of nitroglycerin.

Season 13 (1967-68)

25 one-hour episodes, color
Producer: John Mantley; associate producer: Joseph Dackow
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)
Gunsmoke began its thirteenth season in a new time-slot (Monday nights at 7:30 PM). With this the series returned to being among the top ten highest rated programs, where it remained for the next six seasons.[30]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
439 1 "The Wreckers" Robert Totten Hal Sitowitz September 11, 1967 (1967-09-11)
Kitty pins Matt's badge on an unconscious outlaw to protect the marshal from a holdup gang.
440 2 "Cattle Barons" Gunnar Hellström Clyde Ware September 18, 1967 (1967-09-18)
Cattle barons fight over a large herd.
441 3 "The Prodigal" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. September 25, 1967 (1967-09-25)
A journalist looking for a sensational story talks Matt into reopening a murder case, where the marshal finds himself the prime suspect.
442 4 "Vengeance: Part 1" Richard C. Sarafian Calvin Clements, Sr. October 2, 1967 (1967-10-02)
Matt tries to help when a drifter plans to avenge his friends who were trampled by a rancher's horsemen.
443 5 "Vengeance: Part 2" Richard C. Sarafian Calvin Clements, Sr. October 9, 1967 (1967-10-09)
The drifter who's still bent on avenging his friends is arrested for murdering a town boss.
444 6 "A Hat" Robert Totten Ron Bishop October 16, 1967 (1967-10-16)
A stray bullet ruins a frontiersman's hat, setting off a chain reaction of violence and retribution.
445 7 "Hard Luck Henry" John Rich Warren Douglas October 23, 1967 (1967-10-23)
Festus goes to Pratt County with his clumsy cousin Henry to determine how a chest of gold should be divided among the Haggen clan.
446 8 "Major Glory" Robert Totten Teleplay: Richard Carr
Story: Clyde Ware and Richard Carr
October 30, 1967 (1967-10-30)
A pair of Army deserters wait for the perfect opportunity to murder the sergeant who's been harassing him.
447 9 "The Pillagers" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. November 6, 1967 (1967-11-06)
A gang of outlaws kidnap Newly and Kitty based on their assumption that Newly is a doctor.
448 10 "Prairie Wolfer" Robert Butler Calvin Clements, Sr. November 13, 1967 (1967-11-13)
While Festus is acting marshal, a pair of trappers steal $20,000 from a fur trader who refused to buy their pelts.
449 11 "Stranger in Town" E. Darrell Hallenbeck Teleplay: John Dunkel
Story: Emily Mosher and John Dunkel
November 20, 1967 (1967-11-20)
A hired killer gets distracted by his ex-wife and the son he never knew.
450 12 "Death Train" Gunnar Hellström Ken Trevey November 27, 1967 (1967-11-27)
The passengers of a railroad car are quarantined for a fever that could spread.
451 13 "Rope Fever" David Alexander Chris Rellas December 4, 1967 (1967-12-04)
A sheriff enjoys his new-found glory when he puts Festus in jail on a trumped-up murder charge.
452 14 "Wonder" Irving J. Moore Teleplay: William Blinn
Story: Mary Worrell and William Blinn
December 18, 1967 (1967-12-18)
Matt helps an Indian boy find a drifter who's being bothered by disgruntled cowboys.
453 15 "Baker's Dozen" Irving J. Moore Charles Joseph Stone December 25, 1967 (1967-12-25)
Doc fights to keep three orphaned babies from being separated.
454 16 "The Victim" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: Arthur Rowe
Story: Hal Sitowitz
January 1, 1968 (1968-01-01)
Matt and a sheriff face off against a lynch mob.
455 17 "Deadman's Law" John Rich Calvin Clements, Jr. January 8, 1968 (1968-01-08)
A group of vigilantes terrorizes Dodge as Festus goes looking for Matt.
456 18 "Nowhere to Run" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: Ron Honthaner
Story: Robert Totten
January 15, 1968 (1968-01-15)
A pair of teenage thieves fear that their partner, who's stuck in a well, will give them away.
457 19 "Blood Money" Robert Totten Hal Sitowitz January 22, 1968 (1968-01-22)
The father of a young gunfighter tries to end his son's career by wounding his gun hand.
458 20 "Hill Girl" Robert Totten Calvin Clements, Sr. January 29, 1968 (1968-01-29)
Newly clashes with a country girl's tough half-brothers.
459 21 "The Gunrunners" Irving J. Moore Hal Sitowitz February 5, 1968 (1968-02-05)
An old trapper attempts to mete out justice to Army deserters who injured his adopted Indian son.
460 22 "The Jackals" Alvin Ganzer Calvin Clements, Jr. February 12, 1968 (1968-02-12)
Matt trails the man who plotted the murder of an old friend to Mexico.
461 23 "The First People" Robert Totten Calvin Clements, Sr. February 19, 1968 (1968-02-19)
A politically ambitious Indian agent falsely accuses Matt of participating in a murder committed on the reservation.
462 24 "Mr. Sam'l" Gunnar Hellström Harry Kronman February 26, 1968 (1968-02-26)
A rainmaker offers hope when Dodge is struck by a drought.
463 25 "A Noose for Dobie Price" Richard C. Sarafian Antony Ellis March 4, 1968 (1968-03-04)
Matt enlists the help of a former outlaw to find two condemned killers who escaped from jail.

Season 14 (1968-69)

26 one-hour episodes, color
Producer / executive producer: John Mantley; associate producer: Joseph Dackow
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)[31]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
464 1 "Lyle's Kid" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. September 23, 1968 (1968-09-23)
Matt intervenes when a former lawman plans to use his son to settle a grudge.
465 2 "The Hide Cutters" Bernard McEveety Jack Turley September 30, 1968 (1968-09-30)
Matt joins a cattle drive to prevent violence between a trail boss and his hands.
466 3 "Zavala" Vincent McEveety Paul Savage October 7, 1968 (1968-10-07)
A young Mexican youngster has an ulterior motive for befriending Matt.
467 4 "Uncle Finney" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. October 14, 1968 (1968-10-14)
Two brothers turn in their wanted 103-year-old uncle for the reward.
468 5 "Slocum" Leo Penn Ron Bishop October 21, 1968 (1968-10-21)
A Bible-spouting, moonshine-swilling rancher threatens Matt.
469 6 "O'Quillian" John Rich Ron Bishop October 28, 1968 (1968-10-28)
Matt is forced to protect a troublemaking Irishman.
470 7 "9:12 to Dodge" Marvin J. Chomsky Preston Wood November 11, 1968 (1968-11-11)
Matt and Doc have a tense train ride as they take a prisoner back to Dodge.
471 8 "Abelia" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. November 18, 1968 (1968-11-18)
Outlaws use a widow's home as their hideout.
472 9 "Railroad!" Marvin J. Chomsky Arthur Rowe November 25, 1968 (1968-11-25)
Matt clashes with a railroad boss who's determined to buy a homesteader's land.
473 10 "The Miracle Man" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. December 2, 1968 (1968-12-02)
An Irish drummer falls for the woman he intended to swindle.
474 11 "Waco" Robert Totten Ron Bishop December 9, 1968 (1968-12-09)
Fate seems to have other plans for Matt as he takes a prisoner back to Dodge.
475 12 "Lobo" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes December 16, 1968 (1968-12-16)
Matt and an old mountain man face off against angry cattlemen and greedy bounty hunters.
476 13 "Johnny Cross" Herschel Daugherty Calvin Clements, Sr. December 23, 1968 (1968-12-23)
Newly intervenes when a pair of bounty hunters attempt to kill a desperado who swears he's innocent.
477 14 "The Money Store" Vincent McEveety William Blinn December 30, 1968 (1968-12-30)
Two children rob a bank.
478 15 "The Twisted Heritage" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Paul Savage and Arthur Rowe
Story: Robert Heverly and Jack Turley
January 6, 1969 (1969-01-06)
Kitty clashes with the tyrannical mother of a rancher she just rescued.
479 16 "Time of the Jackals" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: Paul Savage and Richard Fielder
Story: Paul Savage
January 13, 1969 (1969-01-13)
Matt finds himself marked for death as he looks for a killer.
480 17 "Mannon" Robert Butler Ron Bishop January 20, 1969 (1969-01-20)
A former Quantrill Raider comes to Dodge to face Matt in a gunfight.
481 18 "Gold Town" Gunnar Hellström Calvin Clements, Sr. January 27, 1969 (1969-01-27)
A pair of sharpsters salt a gold mine to con the citizens of Dodge.
482 19 "The Mark of Cain" Vincent McEveety Ron Bishop February 3, 1969 (1969-02-03)
An ex-Confederate is haunted by his past.
483 20 "Reprisal" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Jack Hawn and Paul Savage
Story: Jack Hawn
February 10, 1969 (1969-02-10)
Doc must choose between delivering a baby or saving the life of a man who committed a murder.
484 21 "The Long Night" John Rich Teleplay: Paul Savage
Story: Richard Carr
February 17, 1969 (1969-02-17)
A group of bounty hunters intend to get even with Matt.
485 22 "The Night Riders" Irving J. Moore Calvin Clements, Sr. February 24, 1969 (1969-02-24)
Festus faces a group of renegades bent on regain land they lost during the Civil War.
486 23 "The Intruder" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes March 3, 1969 (1969-03-03)
Festus seeks help for his prisoner.
487 24 "The Good Samaritans" Bernard McEveety Paul Savage March 10, 1969 (1969-03-10)
A family of former slaves give Matt shelter when he's injured.
488 25 "The Prisoner" Leo Penn Calvin Clements, Sr. March 17, 1969 (1969-03-17)
Kitty is left in charge of a man about to be hanged for murder, but she believes he's innocent and refuses to let another sheriff take him away.
489 26 "Exodus 21:22" Herschel Daugherty Arthur Rowe March 24, 1969 (1969-03-24)
A former lawman goes after the men who murdered his wife.

Season 15 (1969-70)

26 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Joseph Dackow
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)[32]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
490 1 "The Devil's Outpost" Philip Leacock Teleplay: Bob Barbash and Jim Byrnes
Story: Bob Barbash
September 22, 1969 (1969-09-22)
A wily outlaw is determined to free his younger brother from Matt's custody.
491 2 "Stryker" Robert Totten Herman Groves September 29, 1969 (1969-09-29)
Matt is headed for a showdown with marshal-turned-outlaw John Stryker.
492 3 "Coreyville" Bernard McEveety Herman Groves October 6, 1969 (1969-10-06)
Two feuding women refuse to reveal the identity of the killer Matt is looking for.
493 4 "Danny" Bernard McEveety Preston Wood October 13, 1969 (1969-10-13)
An ailing con man plans to kill Matt to ensure his financial future.
494 5 "Hawk" Gunnar Hellström Kay Lenard & Jess Carneol October 20, 1969 (1969-10-20)
A woman refuses to acknowledge that a half-Indian boy is her son.
495 6 "A Man Called Smith" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. October 27, 1969 (1969-10-27)
A widow is not what she seems to be.
496 7 "Charlie Noon" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes November 3, 1969 (1969-11-03)
Comanches follow Matt, his prisoner, an Indian widow and her white stepson.
497 8 "The Still" Gunnar Hellström Calvin Clements, Sr. November 10, 1969 (1969-11-10)
Festus faces off against a family of hillbillies.
498 9 "A Matter of Honor" Robert Totten Joy Dexter November 17, 1969 (1969-11-17)
The town drunk is accused of a murder he witnessed.
499 10 "The Innocent" Marvin J. Chomsky Walter Black November 24, 1969 (1969-11-24)
A missionary teacher heads for her first assignment.
500 11 "Ring of Darkness" Bernard McEveety Arthur Dales[C] December 1, 1969 (1969-12-01)
A farmer faces a moral dilemma when he steals horses for a gang of outlaws to help his blind daughter.
501 12 "MacGraw" Philip Leacock Kay Lenard & Jess Carneol December 8, 1969 (1969-12-08)
Ex-gunslinger Jake McGraw has returned to Dodge after twenty years in prison and for some reason has taken an interest in a saloon hostess and a young cowboy.
502 13 "Roots of Fear" Philip Leacock Arthur Browne, Jr. December 15, 1969 (1969-12-15)
A dirt farmer and his kin plot to break into the bank when it's closed due to a panic.
503 14 "The Sisters" Philip Leacock William Kelley December 29, 1969 (1969-12-29)
A scoundrel tries to con three nuns.
504 15 "The War Priest" Bernard McEveety William Kelley January 5, 1970 (1970-01-05)
A drunken cavalry sergeant pursues an Indian warrior who takes Kitty hostage.
505 16 "The Pack Rat" Philip Leacock Teleplay: Arthur Browne, Jr. and Jim Byrnes
Story: Arthur Browne, Jr.
January 12, 1970 (1970-01-12)
A young thief sets a fatal trap for Matt as the marshal takes an escaped prisoner to Dodge.
506 17 "The Judas Gun" Vincent McEveety Harry Kronman January 19, 1970 (1970-01-19)
A hired gunman changes the balance of power in a family feud.
507 18 "Doctor Herman Schultz, M.D." Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Calvin Clements, Sr.
Story: Benny Rubin
January 26, 1970 (1970-01-26)
A hypnotist uses his skill to steal money.
508 19 "The Badge" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes February 2, 1970 (1970-02-02)
After Matt is wounded in a gunfight, Kitty puts the saloon up for sale and faces a new kind of trouble.
509 20 "Albert" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes February 9, 1970 (1970-02-09)
A bank teller foils a robbery and keeps the money for himself, only to wind up helping the robbers with their next attempt.
510 21 "Kiowa" Bernard McEveety Ron Bishop February 16, 1970 (1970-02-16)
Matt helps search for a group of raiders who abducted a rancher's daughter.
511 22 "Celia" Philip Leacock Harry Kronman February 23, 1970 (1970-02-23)
Newly must prove that a girl is a con artist bent on swindling a blacksmith.
512 23 "Morgan" Bernard McEveety Kay Lenard & Jess Carneol March 2, 1970 (1970-03-02)
Outlaws take over Dodge and wait for Matt to arrive with a large shipment of gold.
513 24 "The Thieves" Philip Leacock Thomas Thompson March 9, 1970 (1970-03-09)
The bartender takes an interest in a juvenile delinquent on probation.
514 25 "Hackett" Vincent McEveety William Kelley March 16, 1970 (1970-03-16)
An ex-convict seeks revenge on a farmer who ran out on him during a robbery years ago.
515 26 "The Cage" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. March 23, 1970 (1970-03-23)
Matt leads a posse to find a gang of gold thieves.

Season 16 (1970-71)

24 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Joseph Dackow (episodes 516–528), Leonard Katzman (episodes 529–539)
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)
Note: "Pike", the two-part episode that ended the season, was later developed into a spin-off series entitled Dirty Sally.[33][34]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
516 1 "Chato" Vincent McEveety Paul F. Edwards September 14, 1970 (1970-09-14)
Matt heads to New Mexico to track down a wily killer with a knach for murdering lawmen.
517 2 "The Noose" Vincent McEveety Arthur Browne, Jr. September 21, 1970 (1970-09-21)
A stranger comes to Dodge to avenge his father's hanging.
518 3 "Stark" Robert Totten Donald Sanford September 28, 1970 (1970-09-28)
Bounty hunter Louis Stark blackmails his prisoner, whose father is a wealthy rancher.
519 4 "Sam McTavish, M.D." Bernard McEveety Bethel Leslie & Gerry Day October 5, 1970 (1970-10-05)
Dr. Sam McTavish answers Doc Adam's ad for a temporary replacement.
520 5 "Gentry's Law" Vincent McEveety Jack Miller October 12, 1970 (1970-10-12)
A land baron considers his family above the law.
521 6 "Snow Train: Part 1" Gunnar Hellström Preston Wood October 19, 1970 (1970-10-19)
The Sioux are after the white man who sold them poisonous whisky.
522 7 "Snow Train: Part 2" Gunnar Hellström Preston Wood October 26, 1970 (1970-10-26)
Matt must find out who sold the Indians poisonous whisky when they take a trainload of passengers hostage.
523 8 "Luke" Bernard McEveety Jack Miller November 2, 1970 (1970-11-02)
Outlaw Luke Dangerfield's dying wish is to see his daughter.
524 9 "The Gun" Bernard McEveety Donald Sanford November 9, 1970 (1970-11-09)
A newspaperman from St. Louis exploits a teenage bank clerk who killed a notorious gunfighter.
525 10 "The Scavengers" Robert Totten Jim Byrnes November 16, 1970 (1970-11-16)
A bounty is placed on Indians for allegedly massacring a camp site.
526 11 "The Witness" Philip Leacock Shimon Wincelberg November 23, 1970 (1970-11-23)
A father gets rid of witnesses against his murderous son.
527 12 "McCabe" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes November 30, 1970 (1970-11-30)
Matt's prisoner McCabe is targeted by a lynch mob.
528 13 "The Noon Day Devil" Philip Leacock William Kelley December 7, 1970 (1970-12-07)
A priest tries to save his murderous twin brother's soul.
529 14 "Sergeant Holly" Bernard McEveety William Kelley December 14, 1970 (1970-12-14)
A sergeant sets out to find the man who framed him for stealing an Army payroll.
530 15 "Jenny" Robert Totten Jack Miller December 28, 1970 (1970-12-28)
A bank robber hopes to recoup his losses after losing his money gambling.
531 16 "Captain Sligo" William Conrad William Kelley January 4, 1971 (1971-01-04)
A retired whaler moves to Kansas and begins courting a widow.
532 17 "Mirage" Vincent McEveety Jack Miller January 11, 1971 (1971-01-11)
Festus comes back from a desert shootout with no memory of what exactly took place.
533 18 "The Tycoon" Bernard McEveety Robert Vincent Wright January 25, 1971 (1971-01-25)
Festus falls prey to a husband-hunter after coming into money.
534 19 "Jaekel" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Calvin Clements, Sr.
Story: True Boardman & Thelma Boardman
February 1, 1971 (1971-02-01)
A pardoned convict returns to the woman he killed for.
535 20 "Murdoch" Robert Totten Jack Miller February 8, 1971 (1971-02-08)
An aging lawman sets out to get the Carver gang - unaware that his son is with them.
536 21 "Cleavus" Vincent McEveety Richard Scott February 15, 1971 (1971-02-15)
An unlucky fellow jumps a dead man's claim and starts courting Kitty.
537 22 "Lavery" Vincent McEveety Donald Sanford February 22, 1971 (1971-02-22)
A troublemaker, out on probation, reunites with his old gang.
538 23 "Pike: Part 1" Bernard McEveety Jack Miller March 1, 1971 (1971-03-01)
Crusty old Sally Fergus nurses a wounded young outlaw named Cyrus Pike back to health.
539 24 "Pike: Part 2" Bernard McEveety Jack Miller March 8, 1971 (1971-03-08)
Having taken a shine to Cyrus while tending to his wounds, Sally tries to persuade him not to steal anymore.

Season 17 (1971-72)

24 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Leonard Katzman; associate producer: Ron Honthaner
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)[35]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
540 1 "The Lost" Robert Totten Teleplay: Jack Miller
Story: Warren Vanders
September 13, 1971 (1971-09-13)
Kitty befriends a wild child when she gets lost.
541 2 "Phoenix" Paul Stanley Anthony Lawrence September 20, 1971 (1971-09-20)
An ex-convict starts hiring himself out as a killer.
542 3 "Waste: Part 1" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes September 27, 1971 (1971-09-27)
Matt's search for an outlaw leads him to a boy without a mother and wagonload of saloon girls.
543 4 "Waste: Part 2" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes October 4, 1971 (1971-10-04)
Matt gets trapped in a deserted fort with the boy and saloon girls.
544 5 "New Doctor in Town" Philip Leacock Jack Miller October 11, 1971 (1971-10-11)
The new town doctor finds it hard to be accepted as he tries to fill Doc Adams' shoes.
545 6 "The Legend" Philip Leacock Calvin Clements, Jr. October 18, 1971 (1971-10-18)
A man heads down the same path as his outlaw brothers.
546 7 "Trafton" Bernard McEveety Ron Bishop October 25, 1971 (1971-10-25)
An outlaw's compassion for his victims proves to be his downfall.
547 8 "Lynott" Gunnar Hellström Ron Bishop November 1, 1971 (1971-11-01)
An easygoing former lawman fills in for Matt.
548 9 "Lijah" Irving J. Moore William Blinn November 8, 1971 (1971-11-08)
A mountain man is accused of killing three people.
549 10 "My Brother's Keeper" Paul Stanley Arthur Dales[C] November 15, 1971 (1971-11-15)
Festus tries to keep an old Indian alive, even though he wishes to die in peace.
550 11 "Drago" Paul Stanley Jim Byrnes November 22, 1971 (1971-11-22)
A scout hunts down the man who murdered his female benefactor.
551 12 "Gold Train: The Bullet - Part 1" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes November 29, 1971 (1971-11-29)
Doc tries to save Matt when the marshal gets wounded.
552 13 "Gold Train: The Bullet - Part 2" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes December 6, 1971 (1971-12-06)
A group of bandits delay Matt's journey to Denver where the wounded marshal needs an operation.
553 14 "Gold Train: The Bullet - Part 3" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes December 13, 1971 (1971-12-13)
Doc performs an emergency surgery on Matt to save the marshal's life.
554 15 "P.S. Murry Christmas" Herb Wallerstein William Kelley December 27, 1971 (1971-12-27)
A drifter and seven orphans find a way to melt the cold heart of the orphanage headmistress at Christmastime.
555 16 "No Tomorrow" Irving J. Moore Richard Fielder January 3, 1972 (1972-01-03)
A falsely accused homesteader fights to prove his innocence.
556 17 "Hidalgo" Paul Stanley Colley Cibber January 10, 1972 (1972-01-10)
An outlaw shoots Matt and leaves him to die in the desert of Chihuahua.
557 18 "Tara" Bernard McEveety William Kelley January 17, 1972 (1972-01-17)
A charming widow plays Newly against a gunman.
558 19 "One for the Road" Bernard McEveety Jack Miller January 24, 1972 (1972-01-24)
A drunk escapes from his reproving daughter.
559 20 "The Predators" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. January 31, 1972 (1972-01-31)
A 'mad' dog is killing cattle and sheep, while a vengeful gunman sets out to kill a man who shot him in the back four years ago.
560 21 "Yankton" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes February 7, 1972 (1972-02-07)
A saddle tramp uses a rancher's money to court his daughter.
561 22 "Blind Man's Buff" Herb Wallerstein Ron Honthaner February 21, 1972 (1972-02-21)
A lonely widow takes care of a wounded man she finds outside her cabin.
562 23 "Alias Festus Haggin" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. March 6, 1972 (1972-03-06)
A case of mistaken identity ensues when Festus is believed to be wanted for murder.
563 24 "The Wedding" Bernard McEveety Harry Kronman March 13, 1972 (1972-03-13)
A couple are determined to get married over their parents' objections.

Season 18 (1972-73)

24 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Leonard Katzman; associate producer: Ron Honthaner.
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Ken Curtis (Festus), Buck Taylor (Newly)[36]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
564 1 "The River: Part 1" Herb Wallerstein Jack Miller September 11, 1972 (1972-09-11)
Bandits chase Matt down Oregon's Rogue River.
565 2 "The River: Part 2" Herb Wallerstein Jack Miller September 18, 1972 (1972-09-18)
Matt's adventure on Oregon's Rogue River comes to a thrilling conclusion.
566 3 "Bohannan" Alf Kjellin William Kelley September 25, 1972 (1972-09-25)
A faith healer is asked to cure a terminally ill boy.
567 4 "The Judgement" Philip Leacock Shimon Wincelberg October 2, 1972 (1972-10-02)
A gunman plots revenge against the man who turned him in as an Army deserter.
568 5 "The Drummer" Bernard McEveety Richard Fielder October 9, 1972 (1972-10-09)
A salesman is forced to face his past.
569 6 "Sarah" Gunnar Hellström Calvin Clements, Sr. October 16, 1972 (1972-10-16)
An old flame of Matt's gets him involved with stage robbers.
570 7 "The Fugitives" Irving J. Moore Charles Joseph Stone October 23, 1972 (1972-10-23)
Doc is kidnapped and forced to save an outlaw's life.
571 8 "Eleven Dollars" Irving J. Moore Paul Savage October 30, 1972 (1972-10-30)
Festus sets out to settle an $11 estate.
572 9 "Milligan" Bernard McEveety Ron Bishop November 6, 1972 (1972-11-06)
A farmer is accused of shooting someone in the back.
573 10 "Tatum" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes November 13, 1972 (1972-11-13)
A dying gunman endures a long, sad journey to see his estranged daughters.
574 11 "The Sodbusters" Robert Butler Ron Bishop November 20, 1972 (1972-11-20)
A sodbuster fights a cattle baron for her water supply.
575 12 "The Brothers" Gunnar Hellström Calvin Clements, Sr. November 27, 1972 (1972-11-27)
An outlaw's brother seeks revenge on Kitty for shooting him.
576 13 "Hostage!" Gunnar Hellström Paul F. Edwards December 11, 1972 (1972-12-11)
After Matt kills a member of the Dog Soldiers, the rest of the gang shoot Kitty for revenge.
577 14 "Jubilee" Herb Wallerstein Teleplay: Paul Savage
Story: Jack Freeman
December 18, 1972 (1972-12-18)
A poor sodbuster leaves his farm to race his prized quarter horse.
578 15 "Arizona Midnight" Irving J. Moore Dudley Bromley January 1, 1973 (1973-01-01)
A midget claims he'll turn into an elephant at midnight.
579 16 "Homecoming" Gunnar Hellström Calvin Clements, Sr. January 8, 1973 (1973-01-08)
A pair of outlaws return to Dodge to see their dying mother and take Kitty and Doc hostage.
580 17 "Shadler" Arnold Laven Jim Byrnes January 15, 1973 (1973-01-15)
A condemned man posing as a priest is forced to help a stricken town.
581 18 "Patricia" Alf Kjellin Calvin Clements, Sr. January 22, 1973 (1973-01-22)
Newly gets engaged to a leukemia victim.
582 19 "A Quiet Day in Dodge" Alf Kjellin Jack Miller January 29, 1973 (1973-01-29)
Matt has a trying day as he deals with a vicious prisoner, a brawl at the Long Branch, a 9-year-old thief and Kitty giving him the silent treatment.
583 20 "Whelan's Men" Paul F. Edwards Ron Bishop February 5, 1973 (1973-02-05)
A gang of outlaws take over Dodge while Matt is away, but a poker game with Kitty proves to be their undoing.
584 21 "Kimbro" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes February 12, 1973 (1973-02-12)
Matt's mentor in law enforcement is now on the skids.
585 22 "Jesse" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes February 19, 1973 (1973-02-19)
Festus runs into a friend who's escaped from prison.
586 23 "Talbot" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes February 26, 1973 (1973-02-26)
An outlaw's plans to rob the bank are sidetracked by his attraction to the woman whose husband he killed.
587 24 "This Golden Land" Gunnar Hellström Hal Sitowitz March 5, 1973 (1973-03-05)
A Jewish family's faith is tested by the son's senseless death.

Season 19 (1973-74)

24 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Leonard Katzman; associate producer: Ron Honthaner
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Amanda Blake (Kitty), Buck Taylor (Newly)[37]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
588 1 "Women for Sale: Part 1" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes September 10, 1973 (1973-09-10)
Matt goes up against white-slave traders.
589 2 "Women for Sale: Part 2" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes September 17, 1973 (1973-09-17)
Matt continues his pursuit of white-slave traders.
590 3 "Matt's Love Story" Gunnar Hellström Ron Bishop September 24, 1973 (1973-09-24)
An amnesiac Matt falls in love with a young widow.
591 4 "The Boy and the Sinner" Bernard McEveety Hal Sitowitz October 1, 1973 (1973-10-01)
A farm boy tries to stop a man from giving up his honor for booze.
592 5 "The Widow-Maker" Bernard McEveety Paul F. Edwards October 8, 1973 (1973-10-08)
An ex-gunman is unable to put his reputation behind him.
593 6 "Kitty's Love Affair" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: Paul Savage
Story: Joan E. Gessler & Susan Kotar
October 22, 1973 (1973-10-22)
A reformed gunfighter begins a courtship with Kitty.
594 7 "The Widow and the Rogue" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Paul Savage
Story: Harvey Marlowe and Paul Savage
October 29, 1973 (1973-10-29)
Festus takes a charming, unethical petty thief back to Dodge, but must rely on him to protect a widow and her son.
595 8 "A Game of Death...An Act of Love: Part 1" Gunnar Hellström Paul F. Edwards November 5, 1973 (1973-11-05)
A cattleman seeks vengeance against the Indians he suspects of killing his wife.
596 9 "A Game of Death...An Act of Love: Part 2" Gunnar Hellström Paul F. Edwards November 12, 1973 (1973-11-12)
The Indians accused of murdering a cattleman's wife stand trial.
597 10 "Lynch Town" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Calvin Clements, Sr.
Story: Anne Snyder & Joann Carlino
November 19, 1973 (1973-11-19)
An alcoholic judge is forced by Matt to hold an inquest into the death of a female saloonkeeper that resulted in the lynching of an innocent drifter.
598 11 "The Hanging of Newly O'Brien" Alf Kjellin Calvin Clements, Sr. November 26, 1973 (1973-11-26)
A backwoods community wants to hang Newly for a failed emergency operation he performed.
599 12 "Susan Was Evil" Bernard McEveety William Keys December 3, 1973 (1973-12-03)
Matt asks two women to take care of a wounded outlaw.
600 13 "The Deadly Innocent" Bernard McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. December 17, 1973 (1973-12-17)
A mentally challenged young man struggles to live as an adult.
601 14 "The Child Between" Irving J. Moore Harry Kronman December 24, 1973 (1973-12-24)
Newly tries to help care for the sick baby of a wanted man and his untrusting Indian wife.
602 15 "A Family of Killers" Gunnar Hellström William Keys January 14, 1974 (1974-01-14)
Matt and a fellow marshal work together to track down a murderous family.
603 16 "Like Old Times" Irving J. Moore Richard Fielder January 21, 1974 (1974-01-21)
A reformed safecracker tries to start his life over.
604 17 "The Town Tamers" Gunnar Hellström Paul Savage January 28, 1974 (1974-01-28)
Matt and another marshal attempt to bring justice to a frontier town.
605 18 "The Foundling" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes February 11, 1974 (1974-02-11)
Matt must find a home for an abandoned baby girl.
606 19 "The Iron Blood of Courage" Gunnar Hellström Ron Bishop February 18, 1974 (1974-02-18)
A gunfighter is hired to settle a disagreement over water rights.
607 20 "The Schoolmarm" Bernard McEveety Dick Nelson February 25, 1974 (1974-02-25)
An umarried schoolteacher finds that she's pregnant as a result of her being raped.
608 21 "Trail of Bloodshed" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Paul Savage
Story: Earl W. Wallace
March 4, 1974 (1974-03-04)
A young farmer sets out to find the man who killed his father.
609 22 "Cowtown Hustler" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes March 11, 1974 (1974-03-11)
A has-been pool player looks for a way to regain others' respect.
610 23 "To Ride a Yellow Horse" Vincent McEveety Calvin Clements, Sr. March 18, 1974 (1974-03-18)
A mother seeks to fulfull her dreams for her children.
611 24 "Disciple" Gunnar Hellström Shimon Wincelberg April 1, 1974 (1974-04-01)
Matt's life is changed when his gun arm is seriously wounded.

Season 20 (1974-75)

24 one-hour episodes, color
Executive producer: John Mantley; producer: Leonard Katzman; associate producer: Ron Honthaner
Regular cast: James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), Milburn Stone (Doc), Buck Taylor (Newly), Fran Ryan (Hannah)[38]

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date
612 1 "Matt Dillon Must Die!" Victor French Ray Goldrup September 9, 1974 (1974-09-09)
A crazed killer bent on avenging his son's death captures Matt.
613 2 "A Town in Chains" Bernard McEveety Ron Bishop September 16, 1974 (1974-09-16)
A gang of bank robbers take over a town to do one last heist.
614 3 "The Guns of Cibola Blanca: Part 1" Gunnar Hellström Paul Savage September 23, 1974 (1974-09-23)
Outlaws hold Doc and a woman hostage at a desert stronghold.
615 4 "The Guns of Cibola Blanca: Part 2" Gunnar Hellström Paul Savage September 30, 1974 (1974-09-30)
Matt, Festus and Newly hatch a plan to rescue Doc and his female companion from the outlaws who have taken them hostage.
616 5 "Thirty a Month and Found" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes October 7, 1974 (1974-10-07)
Three drovers find their way of life jeopardized by the railroad.
617 6 "The Wiving" Victor French Earl W. Wallace October 14, 1974 (1974-10-14)
A farmer sends his sons into town to pick up brides.
618 7 "The Iron Men" Gunnar Hellström John Mantley October 21, 1974 (1974-10-21)
Matt takes on the task of rehabilitating a drunk ex-lawman.
619 8 "The Fourth Victim" Bernard McEveety Jim Byrnes November 4, 1974 (1974-11-04)
There's a killer on the loose in Dodge.
620 9 "The Tarnished Badge" Michael O'Herlihy Robert Vincent Wright November 11, 1974 (1974-11-11)
Matt deals with a sheriff (Victor French) who rules his town with an iron fist...and who doesn't take it well when he's asked to resign. Guest starring Nick Nolte.
621 10 "In Performance of Duty" Gunnar Hellström William Keys November 18, 1974 (1974-11-18)
A family of outlaws stay a step ahead of the law by killing anyone who sees them.
622 11 "Island in the Desert: Part 1" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes December 2, 1974 (1974-12-02)
A half-crazy hermit rescues Festus.
623 12 "Island in the Desert: Part 2" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes December 9, 1974 (1974-12-09)
The hermit forces Festus to make packs of gold across the desert.
624 13 "The Colonel" Bernard McEveety Arthur Dales[C] December 16, 1974 (1974-12-16)
A town drunk who was once an officer of the Army deals with his daughter's upcoming marriage.
625 14 "The Squaw" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes January 6, 1975 (1975-01-06)
An outlaw on the run must rely on an Indian woman cast off from her own tribe if he's to survive in the badlands.
626 15 "The Hiders" Victor French Paul Savage January 13, 1975 (1975-01-13)
Festus tries to talk a teenager into leaving a gang of men who cut the skins off dead cattle.
627 16 "Larkin" Gunnar Hellström Jim Byrnes January 20, 1975 (1975-01-20)
Newly tries to take a killer to Dodge with bounty hunters on his tail.
628 17 "The Fires of Ignorance" Victor French Jim Byrnes January 27, 1975 (1975-01-27)
A teacher fights for children's right to education as he clashes with the father of one of his students.
629 18 "The Angry Land" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Jim Byrnes
Story: Herman Groves
February 3, 1975 (1975-02-03)
An orphaned girl is turned away by her only relative.
630 19 "Brides and Grooms" Victor French Earl W. Wallace February 10, 1975 (1975-02-10)
A farmer tries to get his sons married.
631 20 "Hard Labor" Bernard McEveety Teleplay: Earl W. Wallace
Story: Hal Sitowitz
February 24, 1975 (1975-02-24)
Matt is convicted for a crime he didn't commit and is sentenced to a life of hard labor in the judge's silver mine.
632 21 "I Have Promises to Keep" Vincent McEveety Teleplay: William Putman and Earl W. Wallace
Story: William Putman
March 3, 1975 (1975-03-03)
An ailing precher is determined to build a church for the Comanches, despite the objecions of both whites and Indians.
633 22 "The Busters" Vincent McEveety Jim Byrnes March 10, 1975 (1975-03-10)
A broncobuster has only two days to live after getting a fatal injury from getting thrown off a stallion.
634 23 "Manolo" Gunnar Hellström Teleplay: Earl W. Wallace
Story: Harriet Charles and Earl W. Wallace
March 17, 1975 (1975-03-17)
A Basque sheepherder refuses to fight his father to prove his manhood.
635 24 "The Sharecroppers" Leonard Katzman Earl W. Wallace March 31, 1975 (1975-03-31)
Festus ends up plowing crops for a family of farmers after accidentally shooting one of them in the leg and bringing him home.

Television movies

# Title Director Writer(s) Airdate[39]
1 Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge Vincent McEveety Jim Bynes September 26, 1987
2 Gunsmoke: The Last Apache Charles Correll Earl W. Wallace March 18, 1990
3 Gunsmoke: To the Last Man Jerry Jameson Earl W. Wallace January 10, 1992
4 Gunsmoke: The Long Ride Jerry Jameson Bill Stratton May 8, 1993
5 Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice Jerry Jameson Harry and Renee Longstreet February 10, 1994

Nielsen ratings

Season Season premiere Season finale Timeslot Nielsen rating[40] Programs airing opposite Gunsmoke[40]
NBC ABC
1 September 10, 1955 August 25, 1956 Saturday, 10–10:30 The George Gobel Show Tomorrow's Careers
2 September 8, 1956 July 6, 1957 Saturday, 10–10:30 8 The George Gobel Show Masquerade Party
3 September 14, 1957 June 7, 1958 Saturday, 10–10:30 1 What's It For Mike Wallace Interviews
4 September 13, 1958 June 13, 1959 Saturday, 10–10:30 1 Cimarron City Sammy Kaye's Music
5 September 5, 1959 June 11, 1960 Saturday, 10–10:30 1 Five Fingers Jubilee USA
6 September 3, 1960 June 17, 1961 Saturday, 10–10:30 1 The Nation's Future Fight of the Week
7 September 30, 1961 May 26, 1962 Saturday, 10–11:00 3 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies Fight of the Week
8 September 15, 1962 June 1, 1963 Saturday, 10–11:00 10 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies Fight of the Week
9 September 28, 1963 June 6, 1964 Saturday, 10–11:00 20 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies The Jerry Lewis Show
10 September 26, 1964 May 29, 1965 Saturday, 10–11:00 27 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies Hollywood Palace
11 September 18, 1965 May 7, 1966 Saturday, 10–11:00 30 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies Hollywood Palace
12 September 17, 1966 April 15, 1967 Saturday, 10–11:00 34 NBC Saturday Night at the Movies Hollywood Palace
13 September 11, 1967 March 4, 1968 Monday, 7:30–8:30 4 The Monkees
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Cowboy in Africa
14 September 23, 1968 March 24, 1969 Monday, 7:30–8:30 6 I Dream of Jeannie
Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
The Avengers
15 September 22, 1969 March 23, 1970 Monday, 7:30–8:30 2 My World and Welcome to It
Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
The Music Scene
The New People
16 September 14, 1970 March 8, 1971 Monday, 7:30–8:30 5 The Red Skelton Show
Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
The Young Lawyers
17 September 20, 1971 March 13, 1972 Monday, 8–9:00 4 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In Nanny and the Professor
18 September 11, 1972 March 5, 1973 Monday, 8–9:00 8 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In The Rookies
19 September 10, 1973 April 1, 1974 Monday, 8–9:00 15 Lotsa Luck
Diana
The Rookies
20 September 9, 1974 March 31, 1975 Monday, 8–9:00 28 Born Free The Rookies

Home media release

The first eleven seasons of Gunsmoke and the first three reunion films are available on DVD in Region 1. Two box sets—The 50th Anniversary Collection and The Director's Collection—have been released on DVD in Region 1. An over-year long hiatus happened between Seasons 11 & 12 for unknown reasons.

Gunsmoke season DVD releases
Season Episodes Discs Release date Ref
1 39 6 July 17, 2007 [41]
2 Volume 1: 20 3 January 8, 2008 [42]
Volume 2: 19 3 May 27, 2008 [43]
3 Volume 1: 20 3 December 9, 2008 [44]
Volume 2: 19 3 May 26, 2009 [45]
4 Volume 1: 20 3 October 5, 2010 [46]
Volume 2: 19 3 December 14, 2010 [47]
5 Volume 1: 20 3 October 11, 2011 [48]
Volume 2: 19 3 December 13, 2011 [49]
6 Volume 1: 19 3 August 7, 2012 [50]
Volume 2: 19 3 October 16, 2012 [51]
7 Volume 1: 17 5 December 11, 2012 [52]
Volume 2: 17 5 February 5, 2013 [53]
8 Volume 1: 19 5 May 7, 2013 [54]
Volume 2: 19 5 May 7, 2013 [54]
9 Volume 1: 18 5 August 6, 2013 [55]
Volume 2: 18 5 August 6, 2013 [55]
Gunsmoke – 50th Anniversary DVD releases
Volume Episodes Discs Release date Ref
1 17 3 January 3, 2006 [56]
2 12 3 January 3, 2006 [57]
1 & 2 29 6 January 3, 2006 [58]
Gunsmoke – The Director's Collection DVD releases
Volume Episodes Discs Release date Ref
15 3 November 14, 2006 [59]
Gunsmoke TV-movie DVD releases
Title Discs Release date Ref
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge 1 May 11, 2004 [60]
Gunsmoke: The Last Apache 1 May 11, 2004 [61]
Gunsmoke: To the Last Man 1 May 11, 2004 [62]
The Gunsmoke Movie Collection 3 May 11, 2004 [63]

Notes

  1. ^ A. "David S. Peckinpah" is a pseudonym for Sam Peckinpah.
  2. ^ B. "Shimon Bar-David" is a pseudonym for Shimon Wincelberg.
  3. ^ C. "Arthur Dales" is a pseudonym for Howard Dimsdale.

See also

Footnotes

  1. Barbaras 1990, pp. 74–75
  2. Barbaras 1990, pp. 444, 742
  3. Costello 2006, pp. 255, 539
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  5. Barbaras 1990, p. 5
  6. Costello 2006, pp. 255–539
  7. Barbaras 1990, p. 154
  8. Costello 2006, pp. 541–557
  9. Barbaras 1990, pp. 87–102
  10. Barbaras 1990, pp. 114–116
  11. Barbaras 1990, pp. 116–118
  12. Barbaras 1990, pp. 126–127
  13. Barbaras 1990, pp. 147–148
  14. Barbaras 1990, p. 101
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  16. Costello 2006, pp. 255–270
  17. Costello 2006, pp. 270–285
  18. Costello 2006, pp. 285–299
  19. Costello 2006, pp. 300–312
  20. Costello 2006, pp. 312–324
  21. Costello 2006, pp. 325–337
  22. Costello 2006, pp. 337–353
  23. Costello 2006, pp. 353–370
  24. Costello 2006, pp. 370–384
  25. Costello 2006, pp. 384–400
  26. Costello 2006, pp. 400–416
  27. Barbaras 1990, pp. 123–125
  28. Costello 2006, pp. 416–429
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  30. Costello 2006, pp. 76; 429–442
  31. Costello 2006, pp. 442–457
  32. Costello 2006, pp. 458–470
  33. Barbaras 1990, p. 669
  34. Costello 2006, pp. 470–484
  35. Costello 2006, pp. 484–496
  36. Costello 2006, pp. 496–508
  37. Costello 2006, pp. 508–522
  38. Costello 2006, pp. 522–539
  39. Costello 2006, pp. 546–557
  40. 40.0 40.1 Barbaras 1990, p. 152
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References

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External links

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