[4][5] The period 1948-1950 brought major changes to network radio, as CBS hired a number of stars from NBC in what some have called "talent raids".

[6] Some of the top performers who changed networks were Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Edgar Bergen, and the husband-and-wife duo George Burns and Gracie Allen.

Radio historian John Dunning commented that The Harold Peary Show "failed to gain any measure of an audience in its lone season".

"[9] One old-time radio website commented: "The new show also borrowed a few Gildersleeve plot devices, such as running for mayor and engagements to two women.

Dunning wrote about a review in Radio Life magazine that he summarized, in part, as follows: "Waterman was a 'splendid' replacement in a tough situation ... he won over the studio audience ... cast members rooted for him wholeheartedly ... Waterman's own intrinsic thespian integrity contributed to an initial performance that was greeted with enthusiasm.

"[12] In addition to Peary as Honest Harold Hemp, the main characters and the actors who played them were as follows: Bob LeMond was the announcer, and Jack Meakin led the orchestra.