The Littlest Hobo

The Littlest Hobo is a classic Canadian television series that originally aired on CTV from 1963 to 1965. The series is a reimagining of an American film of the same name released in 1958 by Pacific International Enterprises. With a premise that broke the norms of standard television narratives, The Littlest Hobo focused on a lone free-spirited German Shepherd named London, a stray dog that seemed to feel most at home while on the move. As the eponymous hobo, he did not have a human owner nor did he belong to any one place, instead, he roamed from town to town involving himself in the adventures and quandaries of different people who crossed his path.

Each episode depicted the dog arriving in a new location, capturing hearts, and resolving the dilemmas of individuals he had only met by chance. This anthology format served to introduce a wide range of characters and settings, keeping the series fresh and engaging for its viewers. The show was replete with stories that were filled with heartwarming moments, suspense, action, and sometimes even humor. Most of the plots would ordinarily revolve around London coming to the rescue of humans in distress, often involving crimes or moral dilemmas.

The lack of recurring characters besides London allowed for an interesting mix of guest stars throughout the series, and the storylines were diverse but bound by common threads of positivity and optimism. Appearances of well-known actors alongside fresh faces kept the show dynamic and exciting. Each episode typically ended with London departing off down the road or landscape, off to his next adventure, with him rejecting any notion of a permanent home or owner.

The Littlest Hobo proved to be an innovative and bold move in television history primarily due to its unique protagonist. This approach also allowed the series to explore narratives that were not tethered to the usual static sets and repeating character arcs characteristic of most television shows of its time. The plots of the series often served as moral tales, teaching values and highlighting the good that can happen when individuals truly care about others’ well-being, often mirrored through the actions of its four-legged protagonist.

During the run of the original series, The Littlest Hobo found fans of all ages, not only in Canada but in the several countries where it was syndicated. The title came to represent an adventurous spirit and the timeless narrative of a helpful stranger, doing good only to move on. The somewhat human characteristics of London, particularly his intelligence, resourcefulness, and empathy, endeared him to millions of viewers. This portrayal proved that heroes come in many forms, even a transient dog with no owner.

The series was known for its hauntingly beautiful and nostalgic theme song, “Maybe Tomorrow,” by Terry Bush. Its lyrics beautifully encapsulated the theme of the series and paints a vivid picture of London's adventurous life (packed full of joy, challenges, and new beginnings), promising, “Maybe tomorrow, I'll want to settle down, Until tomorrow, I'll just keep moving on.” The song has since become iconic and is identified and associated heavily with The Littlest Hobo.

In spite of its initial termination in 1965, the endearing story of London appealed to a new audience in its reincarnation in the late 1970s and 1980s. The massive popularity of the series even led to references in pop culture and media, an honor bestowed on only a select few television series of the time.

The Littlest Hobo left a considerable mark on the Canadian television landscape and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who watched it. The show's narrative, driven by the adventures of a dog, clearly emphasized its primary theme - the goodness inherent in individuals (and animals), the power of kindness, and the impact a single act of compassion can have. Through its simplicity and purity, The Littlest Hobo remains an endearing watch that continues to charm viewers decades after its original release.