Top 10 Gunsmoke Episodes Ranked: Best of the Classic Western Series

As a huge fan of classic TV, I truly believe Gunsmoke isn’t just the best Western ever made – it’s a landmark achievement. Not only did it run for an incredible 20 seasons, but it also produced a staggering 635 episodes! That made it the longest-running scripted primetime show in American history, and it held that record for nearly 50 years. It’s a testament to how well-made and captivating the series was.

Few Western TV shows match Gunsmoke‘s ability to consistently produce excellent episodes over a long period. While many Westerns have offered either a lot of episodes or high quality, Gunsmoke uniquely managed to deliver both consistently, something rarely seen before or since.

The strongest episodes of Gunsmoke appeared throughout its entire run, from the shorter stories of the 1950s to the lavish, full-color episodes made later on. However, the show definitely had a peak period where it was the best Western on television.

The seasons of Gunsmoke that aired from 1962 to 1967 are considered by many to be the show’s peak, featuring some of the greatest episodes in Western television history. During this time, the show moved to a longer, one-hour format and its production quality reached levels similar to those of big-screen Western movies.

“The Quest for Asa Janin”

Season 8, Episode 38

This classic episode features a fantastic performance by Western star Harry Carey Jr., and a memorable villain played by Richard Devon. The story is cleverly constructed to build suspense until the very end, but it’s George Keymas as the unjustly accused Pardee who truly shines, even amongst a cast of well-known actors.

Like many of the most compelling episodes of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces a difficult and drawn-out struggle to achieve justice, relying primarily on his gut feelings. This storyline is among the most suspenseful the show ever produced, as Dillon tries to save an innocent person wrongly accused and facing execution.

“Sam McTavish M.D.”

Season 16, Episode 4

Vera Miles, who famously worked with John Wayne, plays the lead role in this memorable episode of Gunsmoke. She portrays a female doctor who develops a competitive relationship with Doc Adams, a beloved character on the show. For a Western made at that time, the episode was unusually forward-thinking and gave Miles a great opportunity to showcase her acting talent.

The relationship between McTavish and Adams, evolving from rivals to respectful partners, reveals a surprising and touching side of Gunsmoke – something viewers don’t always expect. The show consistently excels at creating even minor characters who feel fully realized and complex.

“The Renegades”

Season 8, Episode 18

This exciting episode from 1963 really highlights Burt Reynolds’ portrayal of Quint Asper on Gunsmoke. While some people have questioned casting Reynolds, who isn’t Native American, in the role, his natural charm is undeniable. He dominates every scene as he works to clear wrongly accused Native American tribes of stealing cattle.

The final showdown in “The Renegades” is a thrilling battle between the lawmen of Dodge City and the villains, showcasing the incredible talent of the Gunsmoke cast. It’s a sequence that truly demonstrates why the series is often compared to the epic Westerns directed by John Ford.

“The Widowmaker”

Season 19, Episode 5

Even late in its run, just a year and a half before it ended, Gunsmoke proved it was still a top-tier Western with this thrilling episode featuring Steve Forrest. Forrest, in one of his strongest performances on the show, played a retired gunslinger who’s drawn back into a dangerous situation.

Viewers familiar with classic Western films will appreciate the echoes of characters like William Munny, Cole Thornton, and J.B. Books in Scott Coltrane’s story as he’s drawn back into a life of gunfighting. This outstanding TV episode is considered by many to be the best color episode of Gunsmoke, and it stands alongside the greatest Western movies.

“Mannon”

Season 14, Episode 17

This Steve Forrest episode is as good as the classic “The Widowmaker,” and might even be better. A major reason is Amanda Blake’s incredible performance as Kitty Russell. She immediately made a strong impression when she first appeared on Gunsmoke, with one of the best introductions of any character in a Western series, and quickly became a central figure alongside James Arness and Milburn Stone.

Kitty doesn’t often take the lead in storylines, but her defiance of the villain in “Mannon” is a key moment that dramatically increases the tension. While she doesn’t become the main hero like Matt Dillon, her bravery is arguably the most heroic act in the episode.

“The Cabin”

Season 3, Episode 24

As a classic TV and movie fan, I always get excited when I see Dennis Weaver in anything – you probably know him as the guy in Spielberg’s early hit, Duel. But even though he’s a great actor, he doesn’t actually have a huge role in what I think is the best Gunsmoke episode. “The Cabin” is a real nail-biter, and it’s mostly about Matt Dillon barely getting out of a dangerous situation.

As a huge fan of classic Westerns, I recently revisited this early episode of Gunsmoke, and wow, it really delivers! The setup is simple – a blizzard forces Dillon to take cover in a remote cabin, only to find he’s trapped with two dangerous bandits and the daughter of their latest victim. Honestly, if any TV episode can make you feel claustrophobic and on edge just watching it, it’s this one. It’s a genuinely scary and gripping piece of television.

“With a Smile”

Season 8, Episode 29

The Gunsmoke episode “With a Smile” stands out because Matt Dillon strictly follows the law, rather than questioning it, as he often does. This episode offers a sharp look at the widespread corruption and unfairness common in the Old West, making it one of the show’s most clever storylines.

This episode is full of surprising turns and doesn’t shy away from a harsh ending, making it one of the most emotionally impactful of the entire series. James Arness gives an outstanding performance as Dillon, revealing a depth to his acting that many viewers never recognized.

“Seven Hours To Dawn”

Season 11, Episode 1

Featuring John Drew Barrymore in a standout performance as the villain Mace Gore, the TV episode “Seven Hours to Dawn” uses a classic Western plot: Gore and his gang attack the town of Dodge City. The tension is heightened when Gore manages to take Matt Dillon’s signature .45 revolver away from him.

Even though Barrymore’s career was slowing down around the time he played Gore, he gave what many consider his best performance. Gore is a cool, clever villain and the only one in Gunsmoke history to truly get the better of Dillon. Without the help of Doc and Festus, Gore would have completely cleaned out Dodge City.

“Caleb”

Season 9, Episode 26

This episode of Gunsmoke doesn’t feature a classic Western gunfight. Instead of a heroic, pre-arranged showdown, the plot takes an unexpected turn that completely changes how you view the conflict.

Interestingly, this episode of Gunsmoke isn’t about Matt Dillon. The story centers on Caleb, an elderly and impoverished farmer who has lost his sense of self-worth. What truly makes Gunsmoke stand out from other Westerns is its emotional power, and the ending of “Caleb” is arguably the most moving moment in the entire series.

“The Gallows”

Season 7, Episode 22

The seventh season of Gunsmoke truly hit its stride with the episode “The Gallows,” signaling the beginning of the show’s most celebrated period. This episode is a powerful exploration of justice and what makes life valuable, and it’s so well-made it could stand alongside the best TV dramas of today.

While Gunsmoke continued to be a strong show after this exceptional episode, it never quite reached the same level of quality. “The Gallows” was a truly outstanding hour of television, going beyond the typical Western and establishing a new standard for all primetime shows that followed.

2025-11-12 22:42