Every Sunday night as a kid, from the mid-1960s to 1973, I watched Bonanza. It's safe to say that I kinda liked the show. It had a simple format, four central characters (well, with Hop-Sing occasionally), and three or four guests to each episode. On some occasions, bad guys either got shot or sent off to some state prison. What generally sold the show were the father (Ben) and his three sons (Adam, Hoss and 'Little' Joe).
If you tried to make a version of Bonanza today? I think you would run into problems.
First, Hop-Sing would be viewed as negative because you were racially profiling the character.
Second, gun-play of any type....would be frowned upon. Most would ask why Adam needs to carry a pistol, and why shooting is necessary.
Third, at least one of the three kids has to be a daughter.
Fourth, Ben would have to be told by one of the kids on a weekly basis.....that he's out of touch with reality.
Fifth, the three Cartwright 'kids' would all have some social warrior justice theme going on. Most viewers would dislike the kids and think there's too much disrespect going on.
In simple terms, the show would fail in the first year.
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