The Virginian on NBC

Television's first 90-minute Western and one of the best, this ambitiously cast and richly plotted series was based on the classic Owen Wister novel that had been filmed by Hollywood several times. Set in 1890s Wyoming, it centered on a mysterious ranch foreman (no one knew his name) and a host of other cowboys and townsfolk. Only stars James Drury and Doug McClure were with the show for its nine seasons. During the final one, the title was changed to `The Men from Shiloh.'