Bonanza

Bonanza

America's Favorite TV Western

Created by David Dortort

On NBC

1959–197314 seasons431 episodes49 min7.5 / 10

A long-running family western built on warmth and moral clarity, where ranch life and community service provide both adventure and reassurance across 431 episodes.

The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Does Bonanza leave you hopeful? Yes, very. More hopeful than 92% of series.

  • Is Bonanza easy watching? Yes. More comforting than 79% of series.

  • Is Bonanza sad? Barely. Less sad than 75% of series.

  • Is Bonanza scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 70% of series.

  • Is Bonanza violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

56/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity76

How unlike any other series this one feels

Surprise48

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love47

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like Bonanza, and what each one shares →

Like Bonanza

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Bonanza

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Bonanza, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Bonanza, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Bonanza, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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