When people think about Jimmy Stewart’s career many classics come to mind. Mr.Smith goes to Washington, Vertigo, It’s a Wonderful Life… but what about his TV show?
That’s right! The famed Jimmy Stewart had his own TV show from 1971 to 1972 that ran a whole ONE season! The show focused on a small-town professor Dr. James K. Howar, played by Stewart, and how his family juggled everyday life. Much like the TV giant, The Andy Griffith Show, the Jimmy Stewart Show was a situation comedy with a popular actor bearing its name. This formula of TV shows was extremely popular at the time.
But a few specifics made the Jimmy Stewart show unique. During the casting, the creators wanted to try and bring the viewer into the life of Jimmy Stewart. At one point they considered hiring Jimmy’s wife Gloria to play his spouse on the show. In the end, Gloria didn’t get the part due to her “old age”, but she was given the small part of playing Dr. James Howar’s Grandmother in certain flashback scenes.
The show included more nods to the actor’s real-life such as his character playing the accordion. Many scenes would open with Jimmy playing a fun tune in his study or on the porch. This reflected the actor’s love for playing his childhood instrument. Stewart would often bring his trusty accordion to movie sets and play on his off time. His skill even made it into some of his movies such as the 1957 Night Passage.
Another thing that made the show unique was its style of opening and closing each episode. Each episode began with Jimmy biking around the neighborhood waving at people while making his way home. After arriving home he would hop off his bike and welcome you to the show. After giving a quick hello the episode would begin. This breaking of the fourth wall was common in every episode. Even at the end of each episode, Jimmy would speak to the camera with a witty joke or a moral lesson the family had learned; each time closing by wishing the audience a wonderful evening.
So how did this charming show only have one season? The formula seemed to be a winner in many regards, a star leading the charge, a unique family situation, an entertaining filming style, and an all-around wholesome message of family values and hardships.
It came down to Stewart’s career direction. Stewart didn’t want to continue the show after its first season due to his negative feeling for the art form. He wanted to focus on his two entertainment passions of film and theater. Although he didn’t hate the TV industry he preferred to focus on other things.
The rates weren’t persuasive as well. The show finished in the middle of the pack getting a rating of 44th out of 78 shows from TV Guide. Although the show was popular enough to get a second season Jimmy Stewart didn’t want to take that step. He had given a shot to TV and it didn’t work for him, and thus ended the short-lived The Jimmy Stewart Show.
I have this set . . . a charming and uniquely done TV series. I must watch it again one of these days!
Virginia Arnold
July 20, 2021