Bonanza a chance to fully develop before the show's abrupt cancellation in November 1972 (with last episode airing January 16, 1973). Many fans, as well as both Landon and Greene, felt that the Hoss character was essential, as he was a nurturing, empathetic soul who rounded out the all-male cast. For 14 years, the Cartwrights were the premier western family on American television and have been immensely popular on cable networks such as TV Land, INSP, Family Channel, and the Hallmark Channel. The series currently airs on Me-TV, TV Land, INSP, and Encore Westerns. TV Land airs "Bonanza" from only the
Bonanza: The Next Generation Bonanza: The Next Generation Bonanza: The Next Generation is a 1988 American made-for-television western film and a sequel to the 1959–1973 television series "Bonanza" starring John Ireland, Robert Fuller, Barbara Anderson, Michael Landon Jr., Brian A. Smith and John Amos. None of the characters from the original series appears since the entire cast, with the exception of Pernell Roberts and Michael Landon, had died. Lorne Greene had signed to reprise his role as patriarch Ben, but died shortly before production began. He was replaced by veteran actor John Ireland, who played Ben's brother Aaron. The movie features Michael Landon Jr.