The ratings soared to number one in syndicated action shows, passing the seemingly insurmountable Baywatch (1989). Later it would be surpassed by its own spin-off show, Xena: Warrior Princess (1995), which took top spot in Xena's second season. Xena continued to lead Hercules every subsequent year both series aired.
The character of Xena was inspired by Brigitte Lin's character from "The Bride with White Hair (1993)," and was meant to have a character arc lasting three episodes ending with her death. However producers looked ahead to a possible spin-off and decided to spare her. The three part arc on "Hercules was so successful with viewers and ratings that studio execs gave the go-ahead for the "Xena" spin-off.
Kevin Smith who played Ares could have been Hercules. In Robert Weisbrot's book, 'Hercules The Legendary Journeys - An Insider's Guide to the Continuing Adventures,' Hercules producer Eric Gruendemann stated: "Before Kevin was cast (as Ares), we actually tried to get him in as a possible person to play Hercules for the (original TV movies), but we weren't able to make it work in terms of timing because he had other commitments. But he is such a huge talent, and I was always thinking. "I'm gonna get him back in these shows in some way."
Kevin Smith who recurred twenty-three times on the show most notably as Ares, passed away in a tragic accident in 2002.
On the DVD extras it's revealed that actor Brian Thompson was one of the finalist for the role of Hercules. He later got the part as Goth in Siege at Naxos (1995). When he fought with Hercules, he was hitting him for real. He thought the role of Hercules should have been his. Kevin Sorbo complained about the real hits to producers.Thompson would go on to play Hercules in Jason and the Argonauts (2000)