MeTV, America’s #1 classic television entertainment network, is saddling up for a grand celebration of the 70th anniversary of the iconic western series Gunsmoke. From August 30 to September 27, fans of the legendary show can relive the dusty trails of Dodge City with a month-long event featuring specially curated theme weeks and all five made-for-TV movies that followed the series’ remarkable 20-season run on CBS from 1955 to 1975.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, August 30, at 11am ET/PT with the 1987 film Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, followed by the fan-favorite episode “Matt’s Love Story” at 1pm ET/PT, where an amnesiac Marshal Matt Dillon falls for a young widow. This sets the stage for a month of nostalgic programming that honors the series’ legacy as the greatest western drama in television history.
Starting Monday, September 1, MeTV will air back-to-back Gunsmoke episodes weekdays at 1pm ET/PT, organized into four themed programming blocks. The first week, “A Week of Firsts” (September 1-5), highlights pivotal episodes, including the series premiere “Matt Gets It” on September 1, alongside other firsts like “Perce” and “Quint Asper Comes Home.” Week two, “Best of Matt Dillon Week” (September 8-12), spotlights the stoic U.S. Marshal portrayed by James Arness, with standout episodes like “The Gallows” and “Seven Hours to Dawn.” The third week, “Best Characters of Dodge City” (September 15-19), celebrates the show’s beloved co-stars with episodes such as “Doc’s Reward” and “The Hanging of Newly O’Brien.” Finally, “Guest Stars Week” (September 22-26) showcases memorable appearances by legends like Bette Davis, Ron Howard, Leonard Nimoy, and Adam West.
Each Saturday at 11am ET/PT, MeTV will air one of the five Gunsmoke made-for-TV movies, followed by a classic episode at 1pm ET/PT. The lineup includes Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (September 6), Gunsmoke: To The Last Man (September 13), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (September 20), and Gunsmoke: One Man’s Justice (September 27), paired with the series finale “The Sharecroppers.”
Set in 1870s Dodge City, Kansas, Gunsmoke follows Marshal Matt Dillon as he upholds the law in a rugged frontier town. Running for 20 consecutive seasons, it remains one of the longest-running primetime scripted dramas ever, earning 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and a lasting place in television history. Its enduring popularity continues to captivate audiences on MeTV and beyond.
MeTV is available over the air in 98% of the U.S., on select cable and satellite providers, and streaming on platforms like Frndly TV, Philo, and Fubo. Viewers can find local listings at https://www.metv.com/wheretowatch/zip/. The full schedule is available at MeTV.com.
Don’t miss this chance to ride back to Dodge City and celebrate 70 years of Gunsmoke with MeTV’s unforgettable tribute to a television classic.
