According to Bonanza, the Ponderosa Ranch was as close to heaven as mortal man could get on Earth. The sprawling 600,000-acre stretch of land came complete with picturesque mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests — and all under the watchful eye of three of the biggest horse-riding heartthrobs Virginia City had ever produced. Well, four, if you include their father.

The three strapping Cartwright sons included Adam (Pernell Roberts), the eldest and most educated and serious of the bunch; Eric, also known as Hoss (Dan Blocker), the gentle giant; and Joseph Frances, aka Little Joe (Michael Landon), the sometimes impulsive, always adventurous heartthrob. They were led by their father, Ben (Lorne Greene), a strong and moral figure who guided his sons and helped them make the right decisions regarding their lives and their treasured land.