When I was a kid we watched Bonanza and Gun smoke religiously. It didn’t matter what new show the kids at school were talking about if it was opposite from them we never got to see it.
Was allowed to watch two TV programs as a youngster, Ed Sullivan and Gunsmoke. Would strap on my six shooter over my PJs (holster made by my very handy Dad) and act out the gunfight at the opening credits. Marshal Dillon always would manage to outdraw me, and I would writhe in agony on the floor, to the amusement of family members.
Now, to touch off a debate: I agree with the Western Novel Writers Association that “Shane” is the greatest Western movie ever made.