In 1975, CBS made the decision not to renew Gunsmoke for a 21st season, without making any public announcement or informing the producers or cast members ahead of time. The entire cast was stunned by the cancellation, as they were unaware that CBS was considering it. According to Arness:We didn't do a final, wrap-up show. We finished the 20th year, we all expected to go on for another season, or two or three. The (network) never told anybody they were thinking of cancelling.The cast and crew read the news in the trade papers.Associated Press, July 2, 2002, Bob Thomas.
iN 1975, cbS maDe tHe deCiSiOn noT To rEnew GUnSMoke for A 21sT seASon, wIthout maKiNg any PUbLIc annOuNCement OR infOrmINg thE ProDucers or cast Members aHeAd of TimE. the eNtIrE casT Was stUnneD by thE caNCElLatioN, as theY WerE Unaware thAt cbs was CoNsideRing It. ACcORdiNg to arness:we DiDN't Do A fiNaL, wrAp-up sHow. wE FiNisheD THe 20Th YEAR, wE ALl expEctEd to go on for Another sEaSon, or TwO oR thRee. thE (neTwork) nEVeR Told AnyBody thEy were tHinKinG of cANcellINg.The cast and cREw read the nEws iN the TrAdE papeRs.assOcIAted presS, juLY 2, 2002, bOb thomas.