Originally, Paramount had conceived the series not as a sequel or for television, but a feature remake of The War of the Worlds (1953) with George A. Romero slated to direct.
This series was conceived as a sequel to the original 1950s classic movie. In several episodes, the character of Sylvia Van Buren appears, played by the original actress, and in one episode several characters go back through time to the time of the original movie.
Originally, for season two, the Morthren deity, the Eternal, was to be called the Immortal (presumably to tie in with the "To Life Immortal" exchange of the Mor-Tax in the first season) and was going to speak in English.
All the episode titles in the first season are Biblical references.
Catherine Disher was the original choice for the role of Suzanne.