“The Virginian” is 55 today. It was first broadcast on NBC September 19, 1962 where it was promoted as the first 90 minute TV Western (length before adverts approx. 74 min.). A testament to its lasting quality is the fact the show is still in syndication today.
For your interest – a 1962 publicity photo of the cast from The Virginian. This photo includes Pippa Scott who was originally cast as the editor of the Medicine Bow Banner and the love interest of the Virginian. Her character was dropped mid-way through the first season when Roy Huggins took control of the series. One of the reasons being the Virginian needed to be free of a specific romantic attachment to allow for more love interests in future episodes. (Thanks to Betty Stamper for the photograph).
The Virginian Weblog 