Reverend Riggins is at least partly based on real life evangelical pastor Ted Haggard, who was caught up in scandal in 2006 when it was alleged that he had repeatedly paid male prostitute Mike Jones for sex over a period of three years, and had purchased and used crystal methamphetamine. Like Reverend Riggins, Pastor Haggard publicly preached against gay marriage and attempted to sway his congregants to vote against it in elections, while privately engaging in homosexual sex. He denied the allegations at first, saying that he received massages from Mike Jones (just like Riggins initially claims "Diego" is his massage therapist) and purchased the meth but threw it away without using it. However, after being confronted with a voicemail he had left for Mike Jones during which he sought to purchase crystal meth, he admitted to the accusations were true and stepped down as pastor of New Life Church and resigned from his leadership of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Michael Nouri had previously appeared in The Gift (2003) playing a different role. He also appeared in A Single Life (1999) and Never Forget I Love You (2015). All three shows are taking place within the same universe.