Kyra Sedgwick had doubts about taking the role, because it meant being away from her family for a few months. Knowing it was a great opportunity, her husband Kevin Bacon agreed not to work much, and stay home with their children (as Sedgwick had done many times).
While filming outdoors one day, G.W. Bailey asked the wardrobe department for a hat to keep him free from sunburn in between takes. G.W. was given the only thing they could find, a bucket hat. He not only ended up wearing it during the scene, but it became a regular part of Provenza's wardrobe, from that point forward.
Just two weeks after its debut, TNT ordered a second season of fifteen episodes.
The production team has said that the characters wear colors that either complement or contrast with Brenda's outfit in each scene. Those that complement her colors are on her side or will be helpful to the investigation. Those that contrast are her opposition and/or the guilty party.
Eric Garcetti, who plays Los Angeles Mayor Ramon Quintero on The Closer and Major Crimes, is the son of former LA DA Gil Garcetti, a consulting producer on both shows. In 2013, two years after his last appearance on The Closer as Mayor Quintero, Eric Garcetti was actually elected mayor of Los Angeles. After his election, he made another appearance as Quintero on Major Crimes, even filming a scene in his own office in LA's City Hall.