Watch Order
0 / 5 watchedFourteen seasons, then TV films.
About Bonanza
Bonanza follows Ben Cartwright and sons Adam, Hoss and Little Joe on the Ponderosa. Seasons 1 to 4 run from 1959 as the first color western with Pernell Roberts. Seasons 5 to 9 cover the peak years through 1968 with guest stars weekly.
Seasons 10 to 12 lose Adam but add Candy, and seasons 13 to 14 close with Jamie after Hoss dies. Three TV films aired in 1988, 1993 and 1995 with later casts. The episodes never need strict links, so release order is the path through the ranch years. The theme song and map open every show while the credits burn the ranch view.
Good to know
Watch seasons 1 through 14 in air order since the family changes over time. Adam leaves after season 6 and Hoss dies before season 14, so expect cast shifts. The TV films sit last as reunion tales apart from canon. The run is closed after 1973 with no further order needed at all. The cast albums and reruns confirm the peak, so start at season one.
