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The origins of this show started with the children’s program, Smilin' Ed McConnell and His Buster Brown Gang. It starred host Ed McConnell, who was joined with a revolving cast of characters and puppets including Midnight the Cat and Squeaky the Mouse. They told stories and showed segments such as Ghanga the Jungle Boy and Buster Brown (the shoe manufacturer was the show's sponsor). One of the show’s most popular characters was Froggy the Gremlin, who would come out when Smilin’ Ed called "Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy!"

 

Smilin’ Ed passed away in 1954, the popular show continued in reruns. A year later, gravel-voiced Andy Devine took over hosting duties and the show was renamed Andy's Gang. This new version only ran locally in New York for the rest of it’s run, except for one season on NBC in 1957 – 58. Producers were concerned that Devine’s imposing demeanor might be frightening for young kids, so, as they did with Ed McConnell, they shot the show with no studio audience. The shots of children applauding and cheering was stock footage that was added later.