The series was written primarily by Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie, with the occasional episode written by Graham Chapman. Both Garden and Chapman had studied, (and qualified), as a medical doctors at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, but neither had an inclination to practice the profession, instead choosing to write and perform comedy. They were both able to use their own experiences whilst at University and their medical knowledge to create realistic scenarios.
Ernest Clark was the only actor in a recurring role in this series who had also appeared in the 1954 film of the same name, albeit playing a totally different role.