By Laura Salas
The four men of the Bonanza household share the same screen time. The production wanted that no one of the four overshadowed the other three. Every script was closely scrutinized to make sure there were four stars during every episode. It paid off and led to a very well-balanced show that offered the chance for every star to shine.
The name Bonanza was a slang term used by miners to describe a large mineral deposit or ore. The term is also synonymous with the word ”jackpot.” A real life bonanza was discovered right by the Cartwright’s ranch in the famous Comstock Lode.
Bonanza was one of the earliest TV shows to be filmed in color. When it suffered ratings, it remained on air because NBC and its parent company RCA wanted to sell more color TVs. As the TV show increased in popularity it didn’t have to rely any longer on its ability to sell color TVs.
Michael Landon didn’t just have a role on the TV show, he was also highly devoted to every filmed frame. Landon appeared in all but 14 of the show’s 416 episodes. It was also the show where Landon started his writing and directing career. You might not be aware that Landon actually wrote and directed some of the series’ most beloved episodes.
When the show entered its final five seasons, Landon became hard to work with on a daily basis. It was rumored he made sure that no new major characters were introduced to the show. He also regularly delayed production shoots as he attempted to create his own vision for the series.
