The Rounders (TV series)

The Rounders was an American comedy western television series that aired on ABC from September 6, 1966, to January 2, 1967. It starred Ron Hayes and Patrick Wayne (John Wayne's son) as Earl and Howdy, two amiable but somewhat hapless cowboys working for ranch owner Jim Ed Love, played by Chill Wills.

The series followed their misadventures as they traveled the Southwestern United States, working on various ranches and getting into humorous situations. Earl and Howdy were portrayed as good-natured and eager to please, but often their attempts to help ended up creating more problems. Jim Ed Love, despite his exasperation with their antics, had a soft spot for the two cowboys.

The Rounders was based on the 1965 film of the same name, which also starred Henry Fonda as Howdy and Glenn Ford as Ben Jones (a character loosely adapted into Jim Ed Love). While the film had a more serious tone, the television series opted for a lighter, more comedic approach.

The series lasted for one season, comprising 17 episodes. Despite its relatively short run, The Rounders has maintained a small cult following among fans of classic television westerns. The show is remembered for its lighthearted humor, the chemistry between Hayes and Wayne, and the presence of Chill Wills, a familiar face in many westerns of the era.