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Ponderosa

Ponderosa

created by Beth Sullivan

2001 1 seasons 20 eps≈ 20h totalEndedPax TVWesternDrama

Ponderosa is a television series developed by Bonanza creator David Dortort for PAX-TV that ran for the 2001–2002 television season. Envisioned as a prequel to the long-running NBC series Bonanza, it had less gunfire, brawling and other traditional western elements than the original. Bonanza creator David Dortort approved PAX TV's decision to hire Beth Sullivan, creator and executive producer of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman to oversee scripts and executive produce, which some believe gave the series a softer edge. Ponderosa was canceled after one season, in part because of disappointing ratings and high production costs. Although Sullivan had hoped to film the series in and around Los Angeles, PAX decided to film in Australia to reduce costs. Series "show runner" Sullivan sustained severe injuries in a car crash only twelve days after the airing of the first season's last episode. The show should not be confused with Ponderosa, the title used for Bonanza reruns aired on NBC during the summer of 1972.

3.5/5

TMDB score· 2 votes

Synopsis

Ponderosa is a television series developed by Bonanza creator David Dortort for PAX-TV that ran for the 2001–2002 television season. Envisioned as a prequel to the long-running NBC series Bonanza, it had less gunfire, brawling and other traditional western elements than the original. Bonanza creator David Dortort approved PAX TV's decision to hire Beth Sullivan, creator and executive producer of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman to oversee scripts and executive produce, which some believe gave the series a softer edge. Ponderosa was canceled after one season, in part because of disappointing ratings and high production costs. Although Sullivan had hoped to film the series in and around Los Angeles, PAX decided to film in Australia to reduce costs. Series "show runner" Sullivan sustained severe injuries in a car crash only twelve days after the airing of the first season's last episode. The show should not be confused with Ponderosa, the title used for Bonanza reruns aired on NBC during the summer of 1972.

Cast

Daniel Hugh KellyDaniel Hugh KellyBen Cartwright
Gareth YuenGareth YuenHop Sing
Bruce DickinsonBruce DickinsonBig Dan Larson
Brad DourifBrad DourifMaurice 'Frenchy' Devereaux
Jim KnobelochJim KnobelochJack Wolf
Jared DaperisJared DaperisLittle Joe Cartwright
Nicki WendtNicki WendtShelby Sterrett
Matt CarmodyAdam Cartwright
Drew PowellDrew PowellEric 'Hoss' Cartwright
Josephine ByrnesJosephine ByrnesMargaret Greene
Fernando CarrilloCarlos Rivera De Vega

Creator

Beth Sullivan

Network

Pax TV

Status

Ended

Seasons

1

Episodes

20

Episode length

60 min

Total runtime

≈ 20h

First aired

2001

Country

United States

Genres

WesternDrama

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