The episode won 3 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series - Alfre Woodard for playing Adrain Moore and Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series.
Originally aired on NBC in a two-hour time slot, the pilot has aired on some cable networks as two, one-hour segments.
Stephen Bochco had wanted Kiel Martin to play the role of Arnie Becker, having worked with Martin on "Hill Street Blues" where Martin had played Det. J.D. LaRue and knowing that Martin's mix of acting skill and personal issues (he had battled alcoholism for a long time and successfully dealt with his addiction to stay in the Det. LaRue role) would be a great fit for a character with Arnie's mix of success and demons. Unfortunately, Martin has serious health problems that meant he was unable to do the role, so Bochco cast Corbin Bernsen instead.
Steven Bochco and James B. Sikking can be seen as party guests at McKenzie's house. Becker refers to Bochco as "Steven Spielberg" as he brags to his date of Hollywood heavies in attendance. Sikking can be seen shortly after.