Bonanza is now considered one of the most popular Western series of all time, spanning 14 seasons and becoming the first prime-time network Western to film in color. But, did you know that, early in its run, the highly-rated landmark series was almost canceled?

The show got off to a rough start. In fact, many consider the pilot episode, which premiered on September 12, 1959, to be “pretty bad,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Bonanza expert and head of the series’ estate Andrew J. Klyde shared, “Lorne Greene had said that the pilot had everything in it but the kitchen sink. Kind critics called it a good pilot episode that showcased the potential of the series.