The show was occasionally filmed in New York City, at the Lincoln Center studios of WNET.

[1] The show features notable entertainers, athletes, politicians, authors, and other noteworthy individuals in a 30-minute interview that explores the lives of the guests and the current events.

From January 2011, New York station WNET took over production of the show [2] with some episodes originating out of WNET's studio in Lincoln Center but the show remained at the KCET studios for the remainder of the eighth season.

On December 13, 2017, PBS indefinitely suspended distribution of the show after an investigation discovered allegations of sexual misconduct.

Smiley is accused of engaging in sexual relationships with multiple employees as well as "creating a verbally abusive and threatening environment.