1949: 'Hopalong Cassidy' Begins Airing on NBC
On this day in 1949, feature film star William Boyd brought big-screen cowboy Hopalong Cassidy to NBC's prime time lineup. The early Hopalong Cassidy shows were actually re-edited versions of Boyd's feature films, to which Boyd had wisely purchased the rights. Before long, Boyd was producing all-new shows specifically for television, starring Edgar Buchanan as his sidekick, Red Connors.
Hopalong was television's first Western and the precursor to future hits such as The Gene Autry Show and The Roy Rogers Show. Although he wore a black hat, Boyd's cowboy was the ultimate good guy, always serving as a positive role model for kids. Without a doubt, audiences loved him (and his trusty steed, Topper). TV made Boyd a mega-celebrity, and he made millions in merchandise licensing and endorsement deals.
According to the official Hopalong website, upon Boyd's retirement he arranged for his production employees to be hired by an upcoming new Western, Gunsmoke.