A reviewer in Variety called Templeton "that perennial summer replacement favorite." His radio program, Alec Templeton Time, sponsored by Alka-Seltzer, was first broadcast from 1939 to 1941 (initially as a summer replacement for "Fibber McGee and Molly"), returning in 1943 and 1946–47. It was sometimes known as The Alec Templeton Show. Guests included Kay Lorene and Pearl Bailey. He memorised the scripts for his shows by having them read to him 20 times. From 3 June to 26 August 1955, his TV show "It's Alec Templeton Time" aired on the DuMont Television Network. He also appeared in the later DuMont series "Jazz Party". Templeton's compositions include "Scarlatti Stoops to Conga," and "Bach Goes to Town" which was covered by both Benny Goodman's band (1938) and the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street (1941).