Mike Reynolds is a dentist who lives with his wife, two children, and a chimpanzee named Buttons, who is a washout from the space program (a fact unknown to Mike and his family until an old army sergeant visits).
Episodes revolve around Buttons' doings or undoings, such as extending the line Mike drew on a map (to mark their driving route) onward to a ghost town, and stealing an alarm clock which gets Mike arrested for public indecency (in his pajamas).
The series was created by Garry Marshall and Thomas L. Miller, both of whom are better known for their later work on Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley. Bessell originally refused to participate when the title was first given as the "grammatically incorrect" (sic) "The Chimp and I".[3]
The chimpanzee who portrayed Buttons was owned by veteran animal expert Lou Schumacher and was trained by Bob Rydell who was responsible for teaching the chimpanzee to perform its "acting" tasks on cue by responding to various hand and voice signals.[4]
Mike's life as a dentist becomes more complicated when his daughter brings home a chimpanzee named Buttons.
2
"My Pet, The Thief"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
January 20, 1972 (1972-01-20)
Mike fights a losing battle trying to convince his wife and children that they cannot keep Buttons.
3
"Mike's Burglar Alarm"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
January 27, 1972 (1972-01-27)
The effort of Mike to train Buttons to ring a bell when a stranger enters the house backfires when a burglar offers Buttons candy.
4
"Mike the Matchmaker"
Garry Marshall & Thomas Miller
February 3, 1972 (1972-02-03)
Buttons meets a female chimpanzee named Mildred that he's attracted to, but when Mike attempts to discuss the situation with the other chimpanzee's owner, he's distracted by the chimpanzee's baby sitter, a beautiful Swedish blonde.
Mike reluctantly agrees to use Buttons during his magic act before the PTA, which results in him trying to teach Buttons some entertaining tricks.
6
"The Lost Flashlight"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
February 24, 1972 (1972-02-24)
After Buttons loses his flashlight at a drive-in movie theater, the chimpanzee keeps the neighborhood in turmoil while the item is missing.
7
"One Romantic Evening"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
March 2, 1972 (1972-03-02)
Mike and Liz are all set to celebrate their wedding anniversary along, but Buttons ends up causing havoc while Liz's mother watches the children.
8
"Tennis Anyone?"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
March 16, 1972 (1972-03-16)
Buttons helps Mike cure a small case of bigotry at the local country club.
9
"The Paint Job"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
March 23, 1972 (1972-03-23)
The Reynolds are chosen by a paint manufacturer as the ideal family to demonstrate their product on television, but Buttons ends up causing chaos.
10
"The Ghost Town"
Garry Marshall & Thomas L. Miller
March 30, 1972 (1972-03-30)
A planned weekend trip to the snow country ends up in a deserted ghost town.
11
"Mike's Night-In"
Garry Marshall & Thomas Miller
April 6, 1972 (1972-04-06)
The Reynolds family learn that Buttons was once part of the US space program and the government retains ownership. Mike is determined to fight to keep their beloved chimpanzee.
