Comedian Bob Newhart portrays a psychologist whose interactions with his wife, friends, patients, and colleagues lead to humorous situations and dialogue. The show centers on Robert "Bob" Hartley, a Chicago psychologist, his work and home life, with his supportive wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), and their friendly but mildly pesky neighbor, Howard Borden (Bill Daily) The show was filmed before a live audience.
The show centers on Robert "Bob" Hartley, a Chicago psychologist, his work and home life. Most of the situations involve Newhart's character playing straight man to his wife, colleagues, friends, and patients. Elliot Carlin was ranked 49th in TV Guide's List of the 50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time.