Bonanza is an American
western television series that both ran on and was a production of
NBC from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series and still continues to air in
syndication, The show centers on the Cartwright family, which lived in the area around
Lake Tahoe,
Nevada. The show stars
Lorne Greene,
Pernell Roberts,
Dan Blocker,
Michael Landon, and
David Canary. The show's title "Bonanza" is a term used by miners in regards to a large vein or deposit of ore,
and commonly refers to
The Comstock Lode. In 2002, Bonanza was ranked #43 on
TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.