Commissioned for daytime TV schedules, the first few seasons were not massive ratings successes in the UK. The BBC contemplated cancelling the show until they noticed sales to foreign TV networks were extraordinarily high. This persuaded them to stick with it where it became a slow-burn success with a loyal audience in the UK, especially when episodes became available on the BBC iPlayer streaming service, and viewers normally out at work binge-watched over the Christmas holidays.
Mark Williams has said that he was surprised to be offered the lead role in the show as he hadn't read any of the books and was brought up in the Protestant faith. A real Catholic priest was brought on board as a consultant to show him how to give last rites, hold mass and how to pronounce some of the Latin terminology.
Filming takes place in the Gloucestershire village of Blockley using the church of Saints Peter and Paul (Church of England) as the St Mary Roman Catholic church of the series.
Mark Williams declined to return for the 20th anniversary special of "The Fast Show" due to commitments to this series.
The red roadster that Bunty drives is a 1951 Sunbeam Talbot II Coupe, 4-seater convertible. White interior with red piping accents.