The show's producers were very concerned about Nell Carter's escalating drug use, binge-eating, rapidly-fluctuating weight, and self-destructive lifestyle. She went into rehab several times during production and was blowing her money on cocaine every week. At one point during 1984 Carter tried to commit suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills and champagne during her visit in London to see good friend Liza Minelli, who flew her to a special rehab center the Hazelden Clinic in Minnesota where she kicked her habit a second time and lost over 90 pounds.
Dolph Sweet's final episode aired May 11, 1985, three days after he died.
A running gag involved the Kaniskies' goldfish, Gertrude. The fish died in the first episode, and kept coming back in subsequent episodes.
Nell Carter was the only cast member to appear in every episode.
The episode "Julie's Birthday" (1985) was Dolph Sweet's last appearance before his death. The episode aired three days after he died. This was meant to be a cliffhanger season finale, as the episode ends saying "To Be Continued", but the next season's premiere had to be retooled to have the family deal with the Chief's death instead of his reaction to Julie's sudden marriage.