At the time of airing, the ABC network had drawn unimpressive ratings in Barney Miller's Thursdays at 8:00 P.M. time slot since at least the 1970-1971 season. According to producer Danny Arnold (in multiple interviews), the share of homes with televisions tuned in to the show rose by 4 points. This was sufficient to bring renewal for the 1975-1976 season.
The term courtesan has become a euphemism to designate a comforter, escort, mistress or a prostitute, especially one of dignified etiquette who attracts wealthy, powerful, or influential clients.