“Gunsmoke” made its television debut on September 10, 1955, on CBS, launching what would become the longest-running western in TV history. Starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, the series brought gritty realism and moral dilemmas to Dodge City, setting it apart from other westerns of its time. The show ran for 20 seasons, an incredible 635 episodes, and became a staple of American television. Its mix of strong storytelling, memorable characters, and frontier justice resonated with audien