I have been watching alot of Dennis The Menace lately and have a really hard time watching the episodes starting with Gale Gordon taking the place of Joseph Kearns.Not a knock on Gale Gordon as he was a fine actor but this show was really about Dennis and his relationship with Joseph Kearns gool ole Mr Wilson.Kearns was the perfect Mr Wilson and the chemistry with he and Jay North was someting special that could never be duplicated.This show pretty much tanked with the John Wilson character.I cannot help but think the show should have played out the third season and then ended.The 4th season was not necessary.The magic was gone.
Does anyone think that if Kearns had not died that this show could have lasted 5 years instead of 4?

Yes, I think the show would go a least another season with Joseph Kearns. Also, don't forget Sylvia Field, who perfectly played the role of Martha Wilson.

It is interesting to note how well they cast the original show to match the comic strip characters. Ironically, the George Wilson comic strip character is a cross between Joseph Kearns and Gale Gordon!

I also feel the show was not the same without Joseph Kearns, he was perfectly cast as Mr. Wilson.