At CBS, Peary began a new situation comedy, "The Harold Peary Show", sometimes known as "Honest Harold", a title that was actually the name of the fictitious radio show the new character hosted. Radio veteran Joseph Kearns (later best-known as Mr. Wilson on TV's "Dennis the Menace") played veterinarian Dr. Yancey, known better as Doc Yak-Yak and similar to former "Gildersleeve" foil Judge Hooker. The new show also borrowed a few "Gildersleeve" plot devices, such as running for mayor and engagements to two women. In what was probably a desperate attempt to recreate the "Gildersleeve" magic, actress Shirley Mitchell, virtually reprised her "Gildersleeve" role of Leila Ransom, under the name of Florabelle Breckenridge. Additionally, Honest Harold's secretary at the radio station, Glory, bears a more than passing resemblance to Gildersleeve's Water Department secretary, Bessie: both are stereotypical ditzy blondes. Despite these efforts to recreate the quality and ratings of "The Great Gildersleeve", "The Harold Peary Show" lasted only one season of 38 episodes.