[1][2][3] So, after 20 years on the road, the Lindsey family and Wilma move from New York City to 130 Maple Street in Oakdell[1] — or Oakdale, according to some sources[2] — Connecticut.

[2] Peter, who tends to be vain and paranoid, goes along with the move out of his love for Mary, but makes it reluctantly; he dislikes commuting and misses city life and socializing with their show-business friends in Manhattan.

[2] Peter still craves the spotlight and performs occasionally at the Imperial Room in Manhattan as well as for their suburban friends at parties Mary throws each week, but he also makes forays into suburban activities, serving as president of the Keep Oakdell (Oakdale) Beautiful Committee and chairman of the board of the High School Project, which seeks to finance the building of the town's first high school.

Adding to the complexity – and often the chaos – of the Lindseys' move are visits from Mary's parents, the Gibneys, and the family's interactions with their neighbors and with Gladys, a sour housekeeper who works next door and is friends with Wilma.

Danny Simon created the format for Peter Loves Mary[citation needed] and developed it with Walter Mirisch.