Trees. Mountain. From September 1959 to January 1973, this Map to Illustrate the Ponderosa in Nevada … We all know “Bonanza” was a massive success in the United States. Created by David Dortort, the combination of western setting, action-packed stories, family drama, and occasional laughs proved to be a potent one, keeping the show on the air for an uncommonly long run. Any place that had an available time slot for a show, aired Bonanza. The opening credits cue a crucial, eye-catching moment as a map of the Ponderosa appears. The show simply does not look its age. 0:41 in video The storylines focused on each of the four characters pretty equally. Man in top hat, overlooking town. It was nice of them to share the spotlight. The new opening credits made for the third season would be the ones that would be the most memorable, filmed at Bourne's Meadow at Lake Tahoe, Nevada in June of 1961. Image Credit: Bonanza Ventures. The 1960s television show Bonanza featured an idyllic opening scene with a map showing Ponderosa Ranch stretching from Lake Tahoe to Carson City.It burst into flames as the opening credits began. It is undeniable, the 400-plus episodes are a sheer indicator of that. ... producers would make sure they swapped the billing order during the opening credits of the show. So, why is Bonanza still successful 60 years later? The opening credits of "Bonanza" with the four Cartwrights riding through Bourne's Meadow towards you and then stop their horses mid-way in the meadow were filmed in June of 1961 at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The beloved Western show "Bonanza" was a favorite following its 1959 debut. Bonanza was a show that centered predominantly around four characters. Episode: The Bloodline. When millennials watch Bonanza, the vivid color and cinematography of the series create a timeless quality. The opening and closing credits show a picture on the screen that corresponds with whatever credit is being given ("Music by" is accompanied by a man playing a violin, "Written by" has a Mark Twain-inspired writer type holding a book with "Bonanza" written on its cover, etc.) All four of the actors on horseback would be filmed riding down the meadow, come … The artwork in the opening and closing credits of Bonanza seem to be something of a mystery. Bonanza remains one of the most beloved American television series of all time. But did you know, “Bonanza” also was on the air in many other countries? Artist: Joe Messerli. Screen grab from Bonanza's opening credits (via YouTube). Watercolors from opening and ending credits of Bonanza. “Bonanza” was the first TV show to achieve global fame. ... but can sing its classic theme song from the opening credits. A crucial, eye-catching moment as a map of the Ponderosa appears was nice of them to share the.! 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