The CONTROVERSIAL Scene That Took Gunsmoke Off The Air Gunsmoke is considered one of the greatest TV shows in history. It was a very popular Western drama loved by Americans and even foreigners across the globe. People watched Marshal Matt Dillon's adventures every week for 20 years, from 1955 to 1975. There was also a radio show from 1952 to 1961. Many thought it was the best Western series on TV at the time. With how the show gained worldwide recognition, it was shocking to find out that a particular scene made viewers collectively cancel it before CBS, the channel sponsoring it, suddenly brought it to an end. What was the controversial scene? Keep watching to find out.