When “Bonanza” first premiered, the producers were not sure how the show was going to do. They did not know if people would like the show since the main cast members were not very well known actors. Essentially, they were unknowns.
Because of this, the production team continued to bring big stars onto the show for guest starring roles. They were hoping this would get more people to watch the show. The producers, of course, paid the stars more than the leads, even though they were only small parts. By season 2, however, ratings were high and the lead actors of “Bonanza” had become stars themselves!
'M*A*S*H' Didn't Take Dan Blocker
Robert Altman had high hopes for Dan Blocker, as Dan was his top choice for the star of the film MASH. The producers of the film, however, did not have the same high opinion of Dan, and he ultimately did not get the role, despite Altmans requests.
MASH went on to be a massive success, even without Dan Blocker. But, can you imagine what it would have been like to see Dan in the film? Interestingly enough, Dan’s son, Dirk Blocker appeared on the TV series MASH as a wounded soldier. It seems MASH came full circle in this family.
Dan Blocker's Death Is TV History
In 1972, just a few weeks before they started filming the last season of “Bonanza”, tragedy struck. Dan Blocker passed away. It was all very unexpected, and because it was so close to when they were beginning to film the next season, they had to figure out what to do. Dan’s character was already written into all of the episodes.
The writers, including Michael Landon, had to re-write the episodes to incorporate his death. This sad event made history, as it was the very first time in the history of television that a character’s death was mentioned on air!
There Were Lyrics In The Theme Song
Did you know that the theme song for “Bonanza” actually had lyrics? Most people only know the instrumental version of the song, but it definitely had lyrics. The theme song was written by songwriters Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.
Video was found of the cast members singing the lyrics. In fact, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon sang the theme song lyrics which they were using for the pilot episode, but unfortunately, it did not air, and they went with the instrumental version. Everybody loved this song! The world-famous singer Johnny Cash also recorded a version of the theme song to Bonanza!
A Pioneer In Color TV
Along with “The Cisco Kid”, “Bonanza” was among the first Western television programs that was fully produced in color. Because it was one of the first to be produced in color, it was also one of the most expensive shows during this time.
After its first season, which was quite underwhelming, it was going to be canceled. However, they had spent so much money on this new color television show that they just had to keep going. Additionally, RCA wanted to really push the new color television, so they had to have the color shows stay on the air. And thankfully so. Could you imagine the world without “Bonanza”?