Ponderosa
Series Overview
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.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 20 Episodes
49–60 min per episode
2001 – 2002
Premiered: Sun, Sep 9, 2001
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 20: “Fugitive”
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.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
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
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Beth Sullivan
David Lee
Department Leadership Roster
David Lee
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Ponderosa.
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Shows sharing similar genres, audiences, and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ponderosa
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Ponderosa about?
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.
How many seasons does Ponderosa have?
Ponderosa comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Ponderosa?
Key cast members in Ponderosa include Daniel Hugh Kelly, Gareth Yuen, Bruce Dickinson, Brad Dourif, Jim Knobeloch.
Who created or directed Ponderosa?
Ponderosa was developed and directed by Beth Sullivan.