The series, which aired from September 29, 1962 to March 30, 1963, was based on the 1939 film of the same name, starring James Stewart in the title role.

[1] The title character is a "small-town idealist who becomes a United States senator"[2] who was elected to fill the unexpired term of the incumbent who died.

[4] Smith's small-town background led him to use a "low-keyed, homespun approach" to problems within his family and at the national level.

[5] Regular characters in the series, in addition to Smith, were his wife Pat, his Uncle Cooter, Miss Kelly (a secretary), and Arnie (a chauffeur).

[3] John P. Shanley, writing in The New York Times, commented that much of the initial episode was "obvious and unnecessary.