Back then, Howdy Doody was just a voice that Smith did on the radio. When Smith appeared on the television for the first time it was on a program called the “Puppet Playhouse” on December 27 ...

Like the original, it was a puppet-based variety show aimed at young viewers. The show followed Howdy Doody, a red-headed puppet cowboy who interacted with a colorful cast of puppets and humans.