The Big Valley was broadcast on ABC television from September 15, 1965 through May 19, 1969. It consisted of 112 color episodes each lasting about 45 minutes.

It starred Barbara Stanwyck (1907 - 1990) as Victoria Barkley who was the widowed head of the Barkley ranch. Her husband was a wealthy rancher.

Victoria had three sons and one daughter. Richard Long (1927 - 1974) played Jarrod Thomas Barkley, the eldest, an attorney who took care of the family's business and legal affairs. Peter Breck (1929 - 2012) played Nicholas Jonathan, a hot-tempered younger son who managed the ranch.

Heath Barkley played by Lee Majors (b. 1939) portrayed the illegitimate son of Victoria's late husband; Linda Evans (b. 1942) played Victoria's only daughter.