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
The Family (2003 TV series) pleasure." The popular reception was generally positive, but the show was temporarily pulled from the air at the start of the Iraq War to make room for additional ABC News reports. When the series returned at a later date, it had lost its momentum and was not picked up for a second season. Italian-American cultural critic George de Stefano credits this reality show, in lampooning the mores and lifestyles of East-coast urban Italian-Americans, as having been the inspiration for more successful yet similar programs such as "Growing up Gotti" and "Jersey Shore". The Family (2003 TV series) The Family is