The Virginian was the very first 90 minute western on prime-time television, and is about a man, only known as "The Virginian" who served as foreman on the Shiloh Ranch (owned in sequence by Judge Garth, the Grainger brothers, and Col. MacKenzie) in 19th century Medicine Bow, Wyoming. James Drury starred as the title character with the likes of Doug McClure, Lee J. Cobb, John McIntire, and Clu Gulager co-starring. It is in these settings that a variety of stories, much more based on character and relationships than the usual westerns, take place.
Ratings
| Year | Rank | Audience |
| 1962 | 26 | 10,915,100 |
| 1963 | 17 | 12,384,000 |
| 1964 | 22 | 12,648,000 |
| 1965 | 25 | 11,847,000 |
| 1966 | 11 | 12,569,640 |
| 1967 | 14 | 12,977,430 |
| 1968 | 17 | 12,698,500 |