Editing Bonanza (section)

=== Cancellation ===
[[File:Bonanza full cast 1962.JPG|thumb|right|Front to back: Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker and Lorne Greene]]
In the fall of 1972, NBC moved ''Bonanza'' to Tuesday nights—where reruns from the 1967–1970 period had been broadcast the previous summer under the title ''The Ponderosa''<ref name="brooks"/>—opposite the ''[[All in the Family]]'' spinoff show, ''[[Maude (TV series)|Maude]]'', which was a virtual death sentence for the program. The scheduling change, as well as Dan Blocker's death in May 1972, resulted in plunging ratings for the show. David Canary returned to his former role of Candy (to offset Hoss' absence), and a new character named Griff King (played by [[Tim Matheson]]) was added in an attempt to lure younger viewers. Griff, in prison for nearly killing his abusive stepfather, was paroled into Ben's custody and given a job as a ranch hand. Several episodes were built around his character, one that Matheson never had a chance to fully develop before the show was abruptly cancelled in November 1972 (with the final episode airing January 16, 1973). Many fans, as well as both Landon and Greene, felt that the character of Hoss was essential, as he was a nurturing, empathetic soul who rounded out the all-male cast.

For 14 years, ''Bonanza'' was the premier Western on American television. Reruns of the series have aired on several cable networks such as [[TV Land]], INSP, Family Channel, the [[Hallmark Channel]] and [[Great American Faith & Living]].