All 8 Gunsmoke Shows & Movies Explained

Gunsmoke remains one of the most culturally influential Westerns, centered on U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and the frontier life of Dodge City, Kansas. The series began as a radio drama, running from 1952 to 1961, with William Conrad’s world-weary performance shaping Dillon’s character through morally complex stories, including themes such as mental illness and poverty. In 1955, the TV version expanded the audience and recast Dillon with James Arness. The show extended its run from 1955 to 1975, doubling episode length in 1961 and moving to color format afterward. The article also references the show’s expansion through spinoff movies and its lasting appeal against newer neo-Westerns.