Bernard is inspired by a real bookshop owner in Dublin, who Dylan Moran described as "He looks like he's swallowed a cup of sour milk and peed himself at the same time. He has this green bilious expression, years of displeasure have shaped his face."
Manny's last name, Bianco (Italian for "white"), is the counterpart to Bernard Black.
The bookshelf behind Bernard's desk has "Property of St. John and Red Cross Hospital Library Dept." stamped on it.
The production company who made this show for Channel 4 television in the UK were hugely surprised at how successfully the show sold to foreign TV networks in non English speaking countries. Bill Bailey has even mentioned he was recognised by an official at Estonian passport control because of this show.