The Gene Autry Show is an American western/cowboy television series which aired for 91 episodes on CBS from July 23, 1950 until August 7, 1956, originally sponsored by Wrigley's Doublemint chewing gum.

Overview

Series star Gene Autry had already established his singing cowboy character on radio and films. Now he and his horse Champion were featured in a weekly television series of western adventures. Gene's role changed almost weekly from rancher, to ranch hand, to sheriff, to border agent, etc. Gene's usual comic relief and sidekick, Pat, was played by Pat Buttram. During the first season, Gene's sidekick was played by Chill Wills twice (as Chill) and by Fuzzy Knight four times (as Sagebrush). Alan Hale, Jr. played a bad guy in several episodes of Seasons 1 and 2, but he also played Gene's sidekick, Tiny, in two episodes of Season 1. Dick Jones was cast in ten episodes of The Gene Autry Show and acted in two other Flying A Productions, The Range Rider and Buffalo Bill, Jr.

Production

Autry established his own production company, Flying A Productions, and acted as executive director for the series. The theme song Back in the Saddle Again was written by Autry and Ray Whitley and sung by Autry. Initially the show was broadcast on Sundays from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. In July 1953 it was moved to Tuesdays from 8 to 8:30 p.m. E. T. In September 1954, It was moved to Saturdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m. E. T. Episodes were syndicated by CBS Television Film Sales.

Critical response

A review in TV Guide in 1954 said that episodes of the show were entertaining for young viewers but were "in too much of a rut for the majority of their elders". The review added, "This weekly triumph of good over evil makes for beneficial viewing for the kids, and maybe that’s Autry’s sole aim." It noted Pat Buttram's appeal to young viewers and added, "Others in the cast are uniformly competent."

Spin-offs

The Gene Autry Show had two spin-offs, The Adventures of Champion and Annie Oakley.

Home media

Timeless Media Group has released all five seasons on DVD in Region 1, fully restored and uncut. On December 10, 2013, Timeless Media released The Gene Autry Show- The Complete series.