Abby Elliott was originally cast as Kate Fox but left the show after the table read for the pilot after it was decided she was too young for the role (the character was written as a 26-year-old; Elliott was 24). She was replaced by Dakota Johnson who was actually 22--2 years younger than Elliott.
Executive Producer Jake Kasdan recommended Dakota Johnson for the role of Kate after seeing her in Cinco Anos de Noivado (2012), a film which she was personally referred to by Judd Apatow.
The show lasted only 16 episodes before being canceled by the network. The final three episodes never aired in the United States.
The titular character, Ben, is based on Dana's brother; whether or not it is true-to-self is up to the viewer.