We’ve already gone over some of the famous movies filmed in Griffith Park’s Bronson Canyon, so let’s dive into some of the popular television shows that have set up shop at Los Angeles’ favorite cave!
Television series filmed in Bronson Cave
Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
This American Western series aired from 1955 to 1975 and was set in the fictional frontier town of Dodge City, Kansas, following the life and work of the town's marshal. The series is known for its gritty realism and its exploration of mature themes — a real benchmark for this era of television!
Gunsmoke is considered by many to be one of the greatest Western television series of all time and holds the title for longest-running Western series on a U.S. TV network! The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of the American West, its strong characters and its suspenseful storylines. The series also helped to popularize the Western genre and it influenced generations of filmmakers and television producers that drew inspiration from the series.
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954-1959)
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin is set in the American West during the late 1800s and follows the adventures of a young boy named Rusty and his German Shepherd dog, Rin Tin Tin. The series follows Rusty and Rin Tin Tin as they solve crimes, track down outlaws and protect the innocent. The series is known for its action-packed storylines and its heartwarming friendship between Rusty and Rin Tin Tin. Overall, super wholesome stuff.
Bonanza (1959-1973)
Standing the test of time with many loyal fans still around, Bonanza follows the wealthy Cartwright family as they face the challenges of frontier life in the American West near Lake Tahoe, from dealing with outlaws and rustlers to protecting their land and their family from harm.
Memorable storylines, well-created characters, stunning scenery and a catchy theme song certainly helped this series seal itself in the hearts and mind of its fanatic audience. Along with Gunsmoke, it’s one of the most popular American Western series of all time!
The Lone Ranger (1949-1957)
As the sole survivor of a group of Texas Rangers who were ambushed by outlaws and left for dead, the Lone Ranger is nursed back to health by his trusty friend Tonto and vows to bring the outlaws to justice, setting out on a mission to protect the innocent and uphold the law. Classic Western stuff, y’know?
The Lone Ranger is based on the radio series of the same name, which premiered in 1933 and ran until 1954, with over 20 million people listening to each episode. Thanks to the show’s popularity, the television series was adapted almost directly from the radio series and followed the same basic premise. The series was a great success and was nominated for numerous awards — including two Primetime Emmy Awards!
Rawhide (1959-1965)
Starring Eric Flemming and Clint Eastwood, Rawhide follows a group of cattle drivers as they make their way around the American West. Along the way, they encounter a host of interesting characters, unique problems, environmental struggles, political disputes and more, often getting themselves a little too involved in other people’s business.
The show is well-known for its semi-accurate portrayal of the struggles of cattle-herding in the 1860s when the show is set. Mature themes like racism, PTSD, addiction and death were not shied away from, giving the series a deep and genuine feel that kept audiences hooked for years.
Mission: Impossible (1966-1973)
Though it may seem hard to imagine the title with anyone but Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible started as a television series in the 1960s. And, just like the subsequent movies, it followed a team of covert agents on ultra-secret missions involving espionage, deceit, trickery and subterfuge.
Star Trek
The Original Series (1966-1969), The Next Generation (1987-1994), Deep Space Nine (1993-1999), Voyager (1995-2001), Enterprise (2001-2005)
Where does one even start to describe the “Star Trek” media franchise? Do we talk about Star Trek: The Original series that defined an entire generation of sci-fi geekery? Do we touch on the 11 different spin-off series, the 14 live-action films, the animated series and the plethora of books that expand upon the universe? What about the fully-fledged language that fans speak fluently today?
Yeah. “Star Trek” is a pretty big freaking deal. (It’s no “Star Wars”, but it’s still pretty culturally significant).
Batman (1966-1968)
This is probably what Bronson Cave is most popular for — being the official exterior of the Bat Cave for the ABC series Batman.
This series ran for a short time and produced 120 episodes over 3 seasons before being canceled in 1968.
Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983)
Based on a book series of the same name, Little House on the Prairie follows the Ingalls family as they move from Kansas to Minnesota to start a new life on a farm. The family must face many challenges, including harsh winters, crop failures and wild animals — all while sticking together and relying on each other.
The Dukes of Hazzard (1975-1981)
The Dukes of Hazzard follows the Duke cousins, Bo and Luke, as they moonshine and race their car, the “General Lee”, to outrun the corrupt Sheriff and his deputies. The Dukes are always getting into trouble, but they always manage to save the day.
All while executing some great car chase scenes, of course!
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
This classic murder-mystery whodunit follows mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher as she travels around the world solving crimes and unveiling villains. The series ran for just over a decade and boasted a whopping 264 episodes and four TV films, earning five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards (among others!).
The A-Team (1983-1987)
Following a group of four ex-Vietnam War Special Forces soldiers who are wrongly convicted of a crime they did not commit, The A-Team tells the stories of prison-escapees-turned-mercenaries who use their skills to help those in need. The show was a great success and became a fan favorite after just a few episodes.
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Set in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington, the show follows the investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer, a popular high school student in the sleepy little town. As a good story should, the investigation leads FBI agent Dale Cooper to uncover dark secrets about the town and its residents.
Though the show only had 2 original seasons in the early 90s, it’s reputation as a cult classic propelled it to a third season in 2017. Regardless the thoughts one may have of its most recent run, Twin Peaks is still considered to be a pivotal point in television history.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993-1995)
Courtesy of Fox Kids and the first of the “Power Rangers” franchise, this much-loved series follows a group of five teenagers who are chosen by the ancient wizard Zordon to become the Power Rangers — brave superhumans who use their strength and abilities to protect Earth from evil forces, including the villain Rita Repulsa and her minions.
If this doesn’t scream “sci-fi” then we don’t know what does.
Music videos
Though not necessarily television shows or movies, these are just two more fun examples of how Bronson Cave has been — and continues to be — the setting for films and recordings of all kinds.
'Til The Light Goes Out', Lindsey Stirling
‘Easier’, 5 Seconds of Summer
These are all just a few of the many films, television shows, music videos and other artistic projects created right here in this little cave in Griffith Park. Who could have thought that a man-made cave could have such an impressive resumé?
Go check it out! It’s just a few minutes from our luxury Southern California apartments.
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/OliveiraTP
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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