The show first aired in 1934 for the NBC Radio New England region. Himan Brown, then still at college, arranged the radio rights for the comic strip.

On February 4, 1935, it was picked up by CBS Radio, airing in 15 minute episodes four times a week. Returning next season it aired on Mutual Broadcasting System from September 30, 1935 to March 24, 1937. From April 29, 1939, "Dick Tracy" became a half-hour-long prime time radio serial, airing at 5:00 pm.

When the USA got involved in the Second World War, the show was temporarily cancelled. ABC Blue Network picked it up again from March 15, 1943 to July 16, 1948 and broadcast it on Saturdays. Around this time it was sponsored by Tootsie Rolls, so the music theme was changed to "Toot, Toot Tootsie". The musical arrangements were composed by Ray Carter.

The show was directed by Mitchell Grayson, Charles Powers and Bob White. At Mutual, Bill McClintock did the sound effects. At NBC, Keene Crockett did this job. During its run on ABC, Walt McDonough and Al Finelli were hired for this task.

Dick Tracy – Bob Burlen, Barry Thompson, Ned Wever, Matt Crowley
Pat Patton – Walter Kinsella
Tess Trueheart – Helen Lewis
Junior Tracy – Andy Donnelly, Jackie Kelk
Police Chief Brandon – Howard Smith
Tania – Beatrice Pons