Sid Krofft had known Billy Barty since the days of vaudeville, and Barty was responsible for assembling many of the little people who appeared in the Krofft shows. Knowing that he could do much more than manipulate a foam costume, Krofft created the role of Hugo to give Barty a chance to shine out of costume.
Sid Krofft had "L.A. Snake Farm" painted on the side of his van in an effort to be left alone. One of the only persons to ever nose around the vehicle was Jay Robinson. Both men frequented the same beach and built a friendship which eventually led to Robinson being offered the lead in this series.
The network didn't like one of the segments of The Krofft Supershow (1976), the "Batman"-inspired cult classic Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976), so they cut that show's order and insisted on a replacement. Overwhelmed with projects and in a rush, Sid Krofft created Dr. Shrinker, taking primary inspiration from Dr. Cyclops (1940), which had terrified him as a child.