Rawhide Air Dates and Broadcast Timeline
Rawhide aired on CBS from January 9, 1959, to January 16, 1966, spanning eight seasons and 217 episodes in syndication timelines. This verified overview explains when each season aired and how the series fit into mid-century television schedules.
Overview of Rawhide
Rawhide is an American Western television series starring Eric Fleming as Gil Favor and Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates. Set in the 1860s, the show follows a cattle drive from Missouri to Sacramento. Its realistic portrayal of droving life distinguished it within the Western genre and contributed to its longevity on broadcast television.
Initial Network Run: Full Timeline
The network run of Rawhide on CBS began in 1959 and concluded in 1966. Below is a compact timeline of key broadcast dates and season periods.
| Season | Season Dates | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | January 9 – May 1, 1959 | 31 | Premiere in early 1959 |
| Season 2 | September 1959 – May 1960 | 33 | Full season order |
| Season 3 | September 1960 – May 1961 | 33 | Stabilized schedule |
| Season 4 | September 1961 – May 1962 | 32 | Continued ratings strength |
| Season 5 | September 1962 – May 1963 | 30 | |
| Season 6 | September 1963 – April 1964 | 29 | Shift in time slot |
| Season 7 | September 1964 – April 1965 | 26 | |
| Season 8 | September 1965 – January 16, 1966 | 27 | Series finale |
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Seasons 1–4: Building the Drive
Seasons 1 through 4 established Rawhide as a consistent presence on CBS. With 31 to 33 episodes per year, the show maintained strong production values and steady viewership. These seasons introduced classic story arcs for Favor and Yates and explored the challenges of long-distance cattle drives.
Seasons 5–6: Peak Stability
By Season 5, Rawhide had settled into reliable time slots and audience expectations. Season 6 saw minor adjustments in scheduling but continued to deliver the grueling yet dramatic routines of trail life, supporting its reputation for authenticity.
Seasons 7–8: Final Drives
Seasons 7 and 8 condensed episode counts slightly but preserved the series’ tone. The Season 8 finale on January 16, 1966, concluded the network run, though repeats extended the show’s reach.
Syndication and Later Broadcasts
After its CBS run, Rawhide entered syndication, airing in reruns throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s on various local and cable outlets. This extended availability kept the series in public view long after its original network finale.
International Broadcast Context
Internationally, Rawhide was sold to multiple countries where Westerns maintained strong audiences. Broadcasters in Europe and elsewhere aired the series in blocks, often aligning with local preferences for hour-long Western programming in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Key Takeaways: When Did Rawhide Air?
- Premiere: January 9, 1959 on CBS.
- Finale: January 16, 1966 on CBS.
- Total seasons: 8, with 217 episodes produced for network television.
- Post-network life: Extensive syndication through the 1970s.
Why the Dates Matter
Understanding when Rawhide aired helps contextualize its place within the evolution of television Westerns. Its run coincided with the transition from early color broadcasting to widespread suburban viewership, and its scheduling reflects patterns of how hour-long dramas were programmed during that period.