Gunsmoke

September 10, 1955 - Television audiences watched the first episode of Gunsmoke on this day. It was the beginning of a 20-year run and 635 episodes. It remains America's longest-running, prime time, live-action drama.

It followed on the heels of a highly successful radio series starring William Conrad. Apparently Conrad was ever so pissed off when the lead role of Marshal Matt Dillon on the TV version went to James Arness.