The series was broadcast in 2004 on Channel 4, but a second season was never commissioned due to low ratings. However, over the next few years, the series gained a considerable cult following via word-of-mouth and the Internet. Renewed interest in the show led to its release on DVD and subsequent airings in the US on the Sci-Fi and Adult Swim networks. Since then, fans are petitioning for a second season of the show.
Every actor in this series, even the extras, also appear in The Mighty Boosh (2003), except for Matthew Holness (Garth Marenghi). Matthew, however, was the original actor for Dixon Bainbridge in the Mighty Boosh live shows before it was adapted to TV.
In an interview with Scottish Metro, co-creator Richard Ayoade insisted his performance as Dean Learner (and the show-within-a-show's character) was really bad.
Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, and Noel Fielding have significant roles in the show The IT Crowd (2006) and all 3 star in this, with Noel having a small cameo in episode 4. The creator of The IT Crowd, Graham Linehan, also has a small role in episodes 3 and 6 as a security guard. Alice Lowe, who plays Liz Asher, has a small role in the episode 50/50 on The IT Crowd.
This show originated from the horror parody stage show 'Garth Marenghi's Fright Night', which was written by Richard Ayoade and Matthew Holness. It starred Ayoade, Holness and Alice Lowe, who would later play the same characters in the show.