Maura Tierney was originally cast as Sarah, but after filming the pilot, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. NBC pushed back the series to 2010 with the hopes that she could be treated and resume filming but she chose to drop out instead. Helen Hunt was courted for the role but she declined. Lauren Graham was then offered the part and she accepted it.
Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia played a married couple 24 years before Parenthood in the TV movie, Alex: The Life of a Child.
This is the only episode with Darin Heames playing the role of Seth Holt. Seth was played by John Corbett in future episodes.