FilmRise has acquired exclusive worldwide digital media rights to the iconic Western anthology series “Death Valley Days.” Included are episodes featuring Ronald Reagan, who hosted the program from 1964-1966, marking his final work as an actor before pursuing his political career. FilmRise will distribute the fully restored series across all major streaming platforms and on The FilmRise Streaming Network, including the FilmRise Western FAST Channel. The deal includes all 452 25-minute episodes across 18 seasons, running from 1952 until 1970. The announcement was made jointly today by FilmRise (Max Einhorn, SVP of Acquisitions & Co-Productions), Element5 (Roger Biff Johnson, Jr., Lance Young, and Jonathan Miller) and SFM Entertainment LLC (Michael Maizes, SVP).
Max Einhorn said: “This timeless TV series holds immense appeal to both mainstream audiences in the U.S. and beyond. We have witnessed the remarkable success of westerns like “The Rifleman,” “Hopalong Cassidy,” “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,” and others that have captivated viewers for decades. We firmly believe that this classic series, featuring iconic talent, will strike a chord with audiences intrigued by the rich history of the Old West.”
Roger Biff Johnson Jr. of Element5 continued: “Death Valley Days stands out as the most successful syndicated television Western series, reigning as the most prosperous and enduring half-hour format of its genre. Its remarkable longevity and acclaim make it the most successful scripted syndicated series ever. We are thrilled to announce its availability for streaming audiences worldwide, ushering in a new era of appreciation for this iconic show.”
Originating on the radio in the 1930s, the series features true accounts of the American Old West, specifically in the Death Valley area of southeastern California. In addition to former President Ronald Reagan, acclaimed hosts of the series include Stanley Andrews, Robert Taylor, and Dale Robertson. John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Fess Parker were all guest stars of the series, which was initially sponsored by “20 Mule Team” Borax, a product mined in Death Valley.