The television Western was no less popular in the UK and indeed worldwide.
The antithesis of golden age Westerns blurred the lines between the good guys and the bad guys with its portrayal of real-life and fictional characters.
Gunsmoke was the first TV Western to tackle adult themes, with prostitution, child abuse and other previously taboo subjects featured.
The Rifleman (1958-63) Legendary Western director Sam Peckinpah earned his spurs developing The Rifleman, which starred Chuck Connors as lone parent Lucas McCain, a New Mexico rancher.