The action takes place in tough Dodge City, Kansas during the 1880s, and centers on the lives and experiences of five people: Matt Dillon, the dauntless and fearless United States Marshal; Kitty Russell, proprietress of the Longbranch Saloon, a woman with a heart of gold who has eyes only for Dillon; Chester Goode, Matt's deputy; Doc Galen Adams, the kindly, dedicated physician; and Festus Haggen, Matt's unkempt, hillbilly deputy.