Webone primary motivation for festus’ replacement was simply keeping gunsmoke fresh; However, in 1975, ken curtis made the decision to. Webfestus was the lovable deputy to marshal matt dillon and quickly became a fan favorite for his unique personality and humor.

Webfestus haggen (played by ken curtis) is matt dillon's deputy marshal and one of the main characters of gunsmoke who would first appear in the season 8 episode us haggens.