Pioneers of Television: Westerns

They were the stars of the small screen in the early years of television, and much of the nation came to a halt whenever their shows aired. They strolled, sprinted, fought, laughed, cried and loved through worlds that took viewers to places past, present and future. As the originators of these innovative television formats, they provided an essential escape for millions of viewers who eagerly waited to watch them each week. PIONEERS OF TELEVISION offers the inside stories of these formidable visionaries who recall the fledgling medium they shaped with their creativity, foresight and wisdom. This four-part series once again transports viewers behind-the-scenes for a revealing look at the inception of four of the most popular genres in television: science fiction, crime dramas, local kids' TV and westerns. The first season of PIONEERS OF TELEVISION, which aired in 2008 on PBS, explored the early years of sitcoms, late night, variety and game shows. Utilizing new interviews with legend.

Director: Mike Trinklein
Director: Steven J. Boettcher
Actor: Kelsey Grammer