Gunsmoke: The Classic Western That Inspired Yellowstone and Became 2025's Most-Binged Series

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Published Jan 29, 2026, 10:37 AM EST

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While Taylor Sheridan has, without a doubt, defined the modern Western genre for TV and film, especially thanks to Yellowstone, this authentic classic laid the foundation decades before and has now secured a streaming crown. That classic is Gunsmoke, which started as a radio series that ran from 1952 to 1961 and was later adapted for TV, where it was frequently well-received throughout its run. Sheridan may not have explicitly cited Gunsmoke as a direct influence; however, his work on Yellowstone and its prequels shares the same DNA of dramatizing the American West.

As part of Nielsen's annual Artey Awards, data reveal that Gunsmoke is the most-binged title of 2025. The series streams on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Peacock, and per Nielsen, its 22.5 billion minutes of watch time equate to 241 episodes; out of 404 available on various platforms, per viewer. Developed for TV by Charles Marquis Warren, Gunsmoke ran from September 10, 1955, to March 31, 1975, on CBS, with 20 seasons and 635 total episodes. The Western gem was broadcast in half-hour episodes from 1955 to 1961 and in one-hour episodes from 1961 to 1975.

Gunsmoke was the longest-running scripted American Primetime TV series, until it was surpassed in episodes by The Simpsons. Nevertheless, it remains TV's longest-running Western and the second Western show written for adults, debuting four days after The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, the first in that aspect. Gunsmoke was a smashing success during its 20-year run, winning 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and regularly ranking in the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings for several seasons. As a result, five made-for-TV movies were produced after its finale.

'Gunsmoke' Is The "Most-Binged" 2025 Series

As teased by its official synopsis, Gunsmoke follows US Marshal Matt Dillon (then-newcomer James Arness) and the citizens he is sworn to protect. Dillon tries to prevent lawlessness from overtaking Dodge City, Kansas, and helping to keep him grounded are saloon proprietor Miss Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake) and town physician Galen "Doc" Adams (Milburn Stone), both of whom are among those he is sworn to protect, including his deputies, Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver) and later Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis). Most episodes involve disruptions caused by those arriving from outside Dodge City.

Gunsmoke is available to watch on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Peacock. Follow Collider for more information.