Alias Smith and Jones

Two clever cousins ride the frontier with a past they want to outrun. Hannibal Heyes and Jed Kid Curry dream of a quieter life, far from gun smoke and prison doors. The governor of their territory offers a chance at clemency, but only if they prove they can behave and stay on the right side of the law long enough to earn forgiveness. Until that moment comes, they remain technically wanted, a political chess piece in the governor's game to gain public support. The tone blends light caper humor with traditional Western grit as the pair dodge detectors, outsmart rivals, and weigh what freedom really costs. That push keeps each encounter fresh as plans backfire and friendships form.

Created by Glen A Larson, Alias Smith and Jones aired on ABC from 1971 to 1973. It stars Ben Murphy as Jed Kid Curry and Roger Davis as Hannibal Heyes, cousins seeking to leave crime behind, bringing wit and daring.

The series did not receive major awards during its ABC run, but it earned loyal fans for its witty mix of Western action and caper humor. The chemistry between Heyes and Curry, plus a light, adventurous tone, helped it stand out in the era, which drew a dedicated audience.

Alias Smith and Jones became a touchstone for the era's buddy outlaw vibe, blending smart banter with action in a Western setting. Its premise of reforming criminals influenced later light hearted caper shows, and the duo remains a nostalgic emblem for fans, finding a place in 70s reruns and nostalgia.

Critics at the time praised the duo's charm and the show's balance of humor and danger, while probing themes of redemption, loyalty, and political gamesmanship. The tension between personal freedom and the governor's amnesty setup gives the series its moral core. Friendship and trust keep it appealing across seasons reruns.