Ben Sinclair has been quoted as saying the purpose of the show is to illustrate that just because someone uses a substance it doesn't define who they are.
Creators Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld had the idea for the original 'High Maintenance' web series while riding bikes through Brooklyn.
In the series, "The Guy" played by Ben Sinclaire is not supposed to have an actual name. However, in season 3 episode 7 "Dongle" the "Guy's" onscreen ex wife accidentally calls him "Ben" as they walk together on their way to get some beer.
80 percent of The Guys clientele from the original web series, reprises their roles in the HBO version
In Selfie (2016) there is a mention of Orange Is the New Black (2013) star Kimiko Glenn. Yael Stone (Beth) the potential girlfriend of 'The Guy' also starred in Orange Is the New Black (2013).