Bob Newhart stars in his first television sitcom (his previous starring roles were on the variety series The Bob Newhart Variety Show (1961-1962), and The Entertainers (1964-1965)). Bob Hartley (Newhart) is a psychologist working and living in Chicago.

Work:
At work, Bob shared the receptionist services of Carol (Marcia Wallace) with Jerry Robinson, a dentist. In his work, Bob provided both individual and group therapy. Several patients appeared many times, including Elliot Carlin.

Home:
Bob is married to Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), an elementary school teacher, and has frequent visitors stop by, including Howard Borden (a airline pilot), Margaret Hoover (Emily's friend), and Ellen (Emily's sister).