Who Was the Best Classic TV Western Couple? (POLL)

When you think of classic Westerns, you might think of a gruff hero, gun-slinging bad guys and rural landscapes. However, even in the most adventurous and dangerous Westerns, there was usually still time for romance. Whether they were a will-they-won’t-they couple or a long-lasting partnership, viewers loved to see the softer side of their heroes and the women they loved.

Who were your absolute favorites? Vote for them below, and tell us in the comments who we missed!

Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell (Gunsmoke)

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Gunsmoke aired from 1955 to 1975, with James Arness playing Marshal Matt Dillon for the entire run — and Matt’s pairing with Kitty Russell made them one of the most iconic duos in Western television.  Amanda Blake played Kitty, who owns and and operates the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, for nineteen seasons, from the first episode in 1955 through 1974.

Their relationship was carefully written as a slow-building connection that never turned into an on-screen marriage. Writers intentionally kept their romance understated, allowing viewers to fill in the emotional gaps throughout the long-running series.

Lucas McCain and Milly Scott (The Rifleman)

Todd Walker/TV Guide/Everett Collection

The Rifleman, which aired from 1958 to 1963, followed widowed rancher Lucas McCain and his son Mark as they built a life in the town of North Fork in the New Mexico Territory — and Milly Scott became one of Lucas’s most important relationships during the series.

Played by Joan Taylor, Milly arrives in town as the new owner of the general store and quickly becomes a warm presence in Lucas’s life. Milly appears in a series of episodes between 1960 and 1962, and viewers could see that their connection was genuine, although at some point she left and never returned. Which leads us to…

Lucas McCain and Lou Mallory (The Rifleman)

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In the fifth and final season of The Rifleman, Patricia Blair joined the cast as Lou Mallory, a businesswoman who bought property in North Fork and quickly became a significant figure in town.

Lou is introduced as confident and not afraid to challenge Lucas when necessary. And over time, she becomes a new romantic interest for Lucas. Blair appeared in more than a dozen episodes during the final season, and her character gave the show fresh energy as it closed out its run.

Little Joe Cartwright and Alice Harper (Bonanza)

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Little Joe Cartwright had many flirtations throughout the long run of Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973. Still, his relationship with Alice Harper was the storyline that resonated most deeply with fans. Alice appears in the two-part episode titled “Forever,” which aired in 1972 during the final season.

She is played by Bonnie Bedelia and is introduced through her brother John, whose gambling troubles pull Joe into a dangerous situation. Joe and Alice fall in love quickly, and the two marry, giving viewers a rare chance to see Joe settle down. The happiness is short-lived, however, when Alice is tragically killed as a result of her brother’s involvement with criminals.

John Cannon and Victoria Montoya Cannon (The High Chaparral)

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The High Chaparral debuted in 1967 and followed rancher John Cannon as he attempted to build a cattle empire in the Arizona Territory of the 1870s. In the opening story, John’s first wife, Annalee, is killed during an Apache attack. To stabilize the ranch and form an alliance, John later marries Victoria Montoya, the daughter of a prominent Mexican rancher named Don Sebastian Montoya. Linda Cristal played Victoria for the entire four-season run. Their marriage begins as a practical arrangement but steadily evolves into a true partnership.

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Classic 1950s TV Westerns Trivia Quiz

There were over 30 Westerns on TV in the '50s.

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TV Westerns of the 50's & 60's

September 2021

’50s and ’60s TV Westerns roundup, celebrating the shows and stars of their golden age.

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