John Boni and Norman Stiles wrote the treatment for this show in the style of Mel Brooks' movies. Paramount then sent the treatment to Brooks for his input, and he insisted on adding Richard Dimitri to the cast in dual roles.
The theme song was written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, who wrote the famous opening theme for "All in the family (1971)," as well as musicals such as "Annie (1982)" and "Bye Bye Birdie (1963)" (which is mentioned in one of the early chapters).
The show aired at 8:00 pm on ABC during the 1975-76 television season. It was a critical success, but not as popular with the viewing audience. Super Jaimie (1976), which replaced it in January 1976, became a ratings winner.