Maverick

ABC-TV Western series (1957-1962) that literally took the starch (and Nielsen Ratings) away from the long-time Sunday night champ, "The Ed Sullivan Show" (CBS, 1948-1971). After just three weeks in head-to-head competition, "Maverick" was stealing "Big Ed's" thunder. And James Garner (Bret Maverick) was an overnight sensation with television audiences. (Garner eventually left the series and the Warner Bros. Studios), but Jack Kelly (Bart Maverick) stayed on for the full run of the show. Kelly was later joined by Roger Moore (Beau Maverick), and Robert Colbert (Brent Maverick).