John Steele, Adventurer, first aired in 1949, and offered thrilling entertainment set against exotic backdrops. The series starred Don Douglas as John Steele, a roving adventurer who held various jobs in exotic locations. Narrated by a friend of Steele's, the stories often focused more on the people he met than on Steele himself. John Steele, Adventurer was known for its fast-paced action and adventurous plots, reminiscent of popular action magazines of the time, such as All-Story and Argosy.

The series featured a talented cast, including Ted Mallie as the announcer, and well-known radio personalities, such as John Larkin, Jack Edwards, and Bryna Raeburn as supporting actors. Elliot Drake directed the show, while the music, which accentuated the show's mysterious and adventurous tone, was produced by Sylvan Levin and later, Doc Whipple.

Although not as highly rated as other radio shows, John Steele, Adventurer gained a dedicated fanbase for its captivating stories and engaging characters. One memorable detail was the creative use of an echo chamber to represent a character's thoughts, making it an innovative and adventurous show for its time.