Cinema Saturdays: Bonanza: The Next Generation (1988)

Bonanza had long ended production for more than 15 years before series creator David Dortort was contacted by NBC about a TV-movie to revive the franchise.

Small problem. Lorne Greene had passed on before production began on the movie. Michael Landon, David Canary, & Pernell Roberts either had passed on the project (Landon was working on Highway to Heaven at the time, and Canary, I think, had moved on to daytime soaps such as All My Children), or were not approached. Dortort & his staff stupidly passed on Dan Blocker's son, Dirk (ex-Black Sheep Squadron), who could've filled his father's 10 gallon hat with ease.

John Ireland was cast as Ben Cartwright's previously unseen brother, Aaron, a seaman by trade. Landon's son, Michael, Jr., plays Little Joe's son. Our cast also includes Barbara Anderson (ex-Ironside), Robert Fuller (ex-Laramie, Wagon Train, Emergency!), Peter Mark Richman (ex-Cain's Hundred), and John Amos (ex-Good Times, The Mary Tyler Moore Show).

Now, saddle up for "Bonanza: The Next Generation" (italics mine):

The younger Landon was the only one to return for "Bonanza: The Return" 5 years later.