Ponderosa 22 years old

Ponderosa is a television series developed by Bonanza creator David Dortort for PAX-TV that ran for the 2001–2002 television season. Envisioned as a prequel to the long-running NBC series Bonanza, it had less gunfire, brawling and other traditional western elements than the original. Bonanza creator David Dortort approved PAX TV's decision to hire Beth Sullivan, creator and executive producer of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman to oversee scripts and executive produce, which some believe gave the series a softer edge. Ponderosa was canceled after one season, in part because of disappointing ratings and high production costs. Although Sullivan had hoped to film the series in and around Los Angeles, PAX decided to film in Australia to reduce costs. Series "show runner" Sullivan sustained severe injuries in a car crash only twelve days after the airing of the first season's last episode. The show should not be confused with Ponderosa, the title used for Bonanza reruns aired on NBC during the summer of 1972.

Credits

Cast

Name Character
Brad Dourif He was 51 , now 74 years old
Daniel Hugh Kelly He was 49 , now 71 years old as Ben Cartwright
Drew Powell He was 25 , now 48 years old
Bruce Dickinson He was 43 , now 65 years old
Matt Carmody He was 100 , now 123 years old
Jessica Gower She was 24 , now 47 years old
Josephine Byrnes She was 34 , now 57 years old
Jim Knobeloch He was 51 , now 74 years old
Nicky Wendt
Fernando Carrillo He was 36 , now 59 years old

Crew

Name Job title
Simon Wincer Directing He was 58 , now 81 years old Director
David Dortort Writing He was 84 , 93 years old when he died Writer
Ponderosa poster
Ponderosa (22 years)

Ended

  • First Air Date: 2001-09-09
  • Runtime: [60,49] minutes
  • Number of Episodes: 20