The main character, Toby, has the secret ability to read people's thoughts and emotions. He has only shared his gift with is his counselor and confidant, Dr. Ray.

Set in Toronto, Canada, Toby rides through the streets in his ambulance with his partner Oz, but is often called to emergencies that haven't been reported by hearing them in his thoughts.

Broadcast in the United States on NBC, The Listener was canceled by the network on July 16, 2009. Production of the series continued, however, and it is currently broadcast on CTV in Canada.