On this day September 10 1981, Best of the West premiered on ABC, delivering a comedic take on the classic Western genre. Created by Earl Pomerantz, the show blended slapstick humor, sharp dialogue, and familiar Western tropes to create a lighthearted parody of frontier life.
The series starred Joel Higgins as Sam Best, a Civil War veteran who becomes sheriff of a small town, despite being completely unprepared for the role. Alongside him were Carlene Watkins as his wife Elvira, Leonard Frey as the eccentric townsman Parker Tillman, and Tom Ewell as his father, Doc Best. Much of the comedy came from Sam’s inept attempts to uphold justice in a town full of colorful and quirky characters.
Though Best of the West ran for only one season, it earned a cult following for its witty writing and playful spin on the Western formula. It also provided an early showcase for the talents of its ensemble cast, many of whom went on to long careers in television.
80s insight: Best of the West reflected the 1980s trend of blending traditional genres with comedy, showing how classic formats like the Western could be reimagined for modern audiences.
The series starred Joel Higgins as Sam Best, a Civil War veteran who becomes sheriff of a small town, despite being completely unprepared for the role. Alongside him were Carlene Watkins as his wife Elvira, Leonard Frey as the eccentric townsman Parker Tillman, and Tom Ewell as his father, Doc Best. Much of the comedy came from Sam’s inept attempts to uphold justice in a town full of colorful and quirky characters.
Though Best of the West ran for only one season, it earned a cult following for its witty writing and playful spin on the Western formula. It also provided an early showcase for the talents of its ensemble cast, many of whom went on to long careers in television.
80s insight: Best of the West reflected the 1980s trend of blending traditional genres with comedy, showing how classic formats like the Western could be reimagined for modern audiences.
