Ponderosa

TV series

Ponderosa

7/ 10· 2200160 min1 season · 20 episodes

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.

Created by
Beth Sullivan

Seasons and episodes

1 season · 20 episodes

Ended
1

Season 1

20 episodesSeptember 9, 2001
Open season page
  1. 1
    S1 E1

    Pilot (1)

    Sep 9, 2001

    Bonanza is back in the guise of ""Ponderosa"". This episode is very good, telling the back story of what went on as Ben Cartwright got the deed to the Lake Tahoe property. Unfortunately, someone else also wants the property, so he can strip

  2. 2
    S1 E2

    Pilot (2)

    Sep 9, 2001

    Bonanza is back in the guize of ""Ponderosa"". This episode is very good, telling the back story of what went on as Ben Cartwright got the deed to the Lake Tahoe property. Unfortunately, someone else also wants the property, so he can strip

  3. 3
    S1 E3

    Joaquin

    Sep 16, 2001

    While selling some cattle to a fellow rancher, Adam and Little Joe witness an amazing sight, a Mexican walks up to the rancher and shoots him at point blank range . . . the rancher gets up and brushes himself off. It seems as if they were t

  4. 4
    S1 E4

    Bare Knuckles

    Sep 23, 2001

    Going against Ben's explicit wishes, Hauss goes up against a bare-knuckles fighter named Iron Hands Malloy (Joseph Clements). Hauss thinks he's developed a new and surprising punch that will knock the fighter off his feet. He does so -- in

  5. 5
    S1 E5

    Promise

    Sep 30, 2001

    Adam kills a robber, and he promises the dying man that he will take care of his children and widow. Also, a man comes to town claiming that he's the great grandson of George Washington's personal slave.

  6. 6
    S1 E6

    Homeland

    Oct 14, 2001

    Carlos is overjoyed and Ben and his sons are amazed when Carlos beautiful and spirited eighteen-year-old sister, Isabella, appears at what until recently had been the Rivera family's ranch. Carlos had presumed she'd died in a fire in Mexico

Starring

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Ponderosa?
Ponderosa is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
How many seasons of Ponderosa are there?
Ponderosa has 1 season and 20 episodes. Status: Ended.
Will there be a new season of Ponderosa?
Ponderosa has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on May 12, 2002.
Who stars in Ponderosa?
Ponderosa stars Daniel Hugh Kelly, Gareth Yuen, Bruce Dickinson, Brad Dourif, Jim Knobeloch.

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