The show featured environmentalist themes and was recognized by the National Education Association as recommended viewing for children.

He and a group of young human friends - brothers Kevin and Brian, and their teenage sister Kristine - protect the natural environment from those who wish to plunder or harm it.

For example, in one episode Widget battled a fellow shapeshifter; a sentient but hostile life form, disguised as a toxic ooze/slick, who was contaminating Earth's beaches and oceans.

Widget was produced by Zodiac Entertainment, a Studio City, California-based firm backed by British media company Central Independent Television.

Zodiac President Kevin Morrison stated that in 1990, Widget was being broadcast on 80% of independent U. S. television stations and that in 1991, the show started being shown five times a week.