Abby Elliott was originally cast as Kate Fox but left the show after the table read for the pilot after it was decided she was too young for the role (the character was written as a 26-year-old while Elliott was 24). She was replaced by Dakota Johnson who at 22 was actually 2 years younger than Elliott.
Executive Producer Jake Kasdan recommended Dakota Johnson for the role of Kate after seeing her in The Five-Year Engagement (2012), a film in which she was personally referred to by Judd Apatow.
The show lasted only 16 episodes before being canceled by the network. The final three episodes were never aired in the United States.
The titular character, Ben, is based on Dana's brother - whether or not it is true to self is up to the viewer.