The original set was drastically different from the one used in the series. One such difference was an opulent staircase that led up to Nina's office. Wendie Malick was disappointed that the staircase was removed, as it provided her character with the opportunity to make distinct and comedic entrances. Malick unsuccessfully lobbied for the staircase's return throughout much of the series' run.
The part of Dennis Finch was written specifically for David Spade: it was added after the original pilot had already been taped. Before it was added, there was a minor secretary character called Connor, but he bore little resemblance to Finch.
In addition to her appearances during Seasons 3 and 4 as Adrienne Barker, Rebecca Romijn was also the cover model for the Blush magazine cover shown between scenes of this first episode, Back Issues.