The show was created by James Komack, who produced other successful TV shows such as "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" and "Welcome Back, Kotter". NBC suggested someone like Jack Albertson as Ed/"The Man", and Komack approached him. Though not impressed with the pilot script, Albertson agreed on the trust of Komack's reputation. Freddie Prinze was discovered by Komack after a friend's recommendation who saw Prinze's appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in December 1973. Komack thought he would be perfect for the role of Chico Rodriguez. Though initially rejected by NBC executives, he stood out against two other finalists in testing.