Studio 60

The character Andy Mackinaw is loosely based on 'Studio 60' writer T. Rafael Cimino, the nephew of legendary film director Michael Cimino.

Timothy Busfield plays Cal Shanley, the director for Studio 60. He actually directed 5 episodes of the series. Likewise, Bradley Whitford, who plays Danny Tripp, a feature film director, directed the final episode of the series

Harriet's inability to tell a joke is based on Sarah Paulson's own inability to do so. Aaron Sorkin heard she had that problem and thought it was hilarious, so he wrote it into the show.