TV Series · 2001

Ponderosa

60 min · Drama, Western · Ended

Composite

2.8

IMDb

6.1 / 10

181 votes

TMDB

7.0 / 10

2 votes

Local

— / 10

No 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 Kelly

Ben Cartwright

Gareth Yuen

Hop Sing

Bruce Dickinson

Big Dan Larson

Brad Dourif

Maurice 'Frenchy' Devereaux

Jim Knobeloch

Jack Wolf

Jared Daperis

Little Joe Cartwright

Nicki Wendt

Shelby Sterrett

—

Matt Carmody

Adam Cartwright

Drew Powell

Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright

Josephine Byrnes

Margaret Greene

—

Fernando Carrillo

Carlos Rivera De Vega

Crew

Production

David Lee Producer

Seasons & episodes

Season 1 (1 ep)

20. Fugitive

May 12, 2002

Samuel returns after being let go from the city newspaper due to his race. The Cartwrights convience Samuel to open a newspaper in Eagle Station. A new law is inacted which makes runaway slaves even in free states to have a price on their heads which puts Samuel in jeopardy.