Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (TV series)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was a short-lived American situation comedy that aired on ABC during the 1962-1963 television season. It was based on the 1939 Frank Capra film of the same name.

The series starred Fess Parker as Eugene Smith, a naive but principled newly appointed U.S. Senator from an unnamed western state. The show followed Smith as he navigated the often-corrupt and cynical world of Washington D.C., attempting to maintain his idealism and fight for the common good.

Supporting cast members included Sandra Warner as Smith's secretary, Pat Harrington Jr. as a cynical political aide, and Red Foley as a folksy, wise character providing guidance to Smith.

Despite the popularity of the original film and the star power of Fess Parker, the television series failed to find an audience. Critics often cited the show's uneven tone and difficulty in replicating the charm and depth of the film as reasons for its failure. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was cancelled after one season consisting of 26 episodes.