The Unexpected Extension of Gunsmoke’s Airtime

The abrupt cancellation of Gunsmoke after two decades left fans bewildered, primarily because it appeared sudden. The series was thriving, yet it had faced the threat of cancellation back in 1967 due to declining ratings. CBS executives had decided to terminate the show, but a single influential figure intervened, altering its fate entirely.

William Paley, the then-president of CBS, held a profound affection for Gunsmoke. His personal attachment to the show made the thought of it disappearing from the network unbearable. In a decisive move, he chose to shift the show to a different evening rather than axing it, thereby securing its continuation.