6.1
Where can I stream Ponderosa legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Ponderosa in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
Ponderosa fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Wholesome and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Wholesome7
- Hopefulness7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy3
- Physical Comedy2
World
Family and history
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction6
- Acting6
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumWholesome and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's wholesome, hopeful, and nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchPure Escapism
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Episode 17 | Episode 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 | |
| Episode 6 | |
| Episode 7 | |
| Episode 8 | |
| Episode 9 | |
| Episode 10 | |
| Episode 11 | |
| Episode 12 | |
| Episode 13 | |
| Episode 14 | |
| Episode 15 | |
| Episode 16 | |
| Episode 17 | |
| Episode 18 | |
| Episode 19 | |
| Episode 20 |
About
Ponderosa is a television series developed by Bonanza creator David Dortort for PAX-TV that ran for the 2001–2002 television season. Envisioned as a prequel to the long-running NBC series Bonanza, it had less gunfire, brawling and other traditional western elements than the original. Bonanza creator David Dortort approved PAX TV's decision to hire Beth Sullivan, creator and executive producer of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman to oversee scripts and executive produce, which some believe gave the series a softer edge. Ponderosa was canceled after one season, in part because of disappointing ratings and high production costs. Although Sullivan had hoped to film the series in and around Los Angeles, PAX decided to film in Australia to reduce costs. Series "show runner" Sullivan sustained severe injuries in a car crash only twelve days after the airing of the first season's last episode.
The show should not be confused with Ponderosa, the title used for Bonanza reruns aired on NBC during the summer of 1972.
Western PrequelFamily DramaHistorical FrontierWholesome ToneCharacter-DrivenClassic TV SpinoffMild AdventureAmerican West SettingFamilial Bonds
Actors
Crew
Titles like Ponderosa
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: Ponderosa
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with Ponderosa
Ponderosa2001 · Show
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987)When Calls the Heart (2014)Anne of Green Gables (1985)National Velvet (1945)Anne with an E (2017)Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993)Little Women (1949)Bonanza (1959)Captains Courageous (1937)Little Women (1994)All Creatures Great & Small (2020)EverAfter (1998)The Waltons (1972)A League of Their Own (2022)Brooklyn (2015)From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)The Quiet Man (1952)An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987)River of No Return (1954)Mrs. Miniver (1942)Sanditon (2019)The Cowboys (1972)To Sir, with Love (1967)Shane (1953)Circle of Friends (1995)Ladies in Black (2018)Pride and Prejudice (1940)Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)Cinderella (2015)The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)I Know Where I'm Going! (1945)The Long, Hot Summer (1958)Around the World in 80 Days (2021)Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)Anne of Green Gables (1985)An American Tail (1986)Pride & Prejudice (2005)Belfast (2021)3 Godfathers (1948)Downton Abbey (2019)Cranford (2007)A Room with a View (1986)The Mask of Zorro (1998)The Water Horse (2007)My One and Only (2009)Paper Moon (1973)The Chorus (2004)The Grass Harp (1996)Persuasion (1995)Endeavour (2013)Little Dorrit (2008)In This Corner of the World (2016)My Darling Clementine (1946)Manon of the Spring (1986)Rio Bravo (1959)Mediterraneo (1991)Boy (2010)The Women on the 6th Floor (2011)The Shop Around the Corner (1940)Song of the South (1946)Three Wishes for Cinderella (1973)Houseboat (1958)Madeline (1998)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Ponderosa
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ponderosa worth watching?
66
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.1 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ponderosa rated?
NR
It's rated NR in the United States.
How many seasons does Ponderosa have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 20 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ponderosa?
Critics67
Audiences61
Yes. Critics average 67 and audiences 61 out of 100, so both groups see Ponderosa much the same way.
When did Ponderosa air?
S1
It ran from 2001 to 2002 and has ended.
What language is Ponderosa in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.