Have Gun – Will Travel is an American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was rated number three or number four in the Nielsen ratings every year of its first four seasons. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted November 23, 1958. The television show is presently shown on the Encore-Western channel. Have Gun – Will Travel was created by Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow and produced by Frank Pierson, Don Ingalls, Robert Sparks, and Julian Claman. There were 225 episodes of the TV series, 24 written by Gene Roddenberry. Other contributors included Bruce Geller, Harry Julian Fink, Don Brinkley and Irving Wallace. Andrew McLaglen directed 101 episodes and 19 were directed by series star Richard Boone.
The series follows the adventures of Paladin, a cultured and sophisticated gunslinger who operates out of San Francisco. He advertises his services through business cards, offering his skills as a problem-solver and defender for those in need across the American West. Each episode presents a new challenge, often involving moral dilemmas and high-stakes confrontations.
Have Gun, Will Travel was a highly popular and critically acclaimed Western series during its run. It was praised for its intelligent writing, strong lead performance, and willingness to explore complex themes within the Western genre, setting it apart from many contemporaries.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the show's intelligence, strong writing, and the memorable character of Paladin, with many fans recalling it fondly as a standout in the Western genre.
Nominated for multiple Emmy Awards during its run, including Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Western Television Programming.
The distinctive "Have Gun, Will Travel" business card, featuring a knight chess piece, was a central visual motif and became iconic, symbolizing Paladin's unique approach to his profession.
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