Jonas Quinn is introduced in the season 5 episode "Meridian" as a scientist of the human nation of Kelowna on Langara, a planet with an industrial level comparable to Earth of the 1940s, and that is also locked in a cold war with two rival states.

The Kelownans are experimenting with naqahdriah (an unstable but extremely powerful native element related to naqahdah) to build a bomb against their two rival nations, Terrania and the Andari Federation.

[2] Still wracked by guilt in the season 6 premiere "Redemption" over his hesitation to step in,[3] Jonas helps Major Samantha Carter find a solution to save Earth from an attack by the Goa'uld Anubis.

Although Colonel Jack O'Neill is reluctant to add a new fourth member to SG-1, he allows Jonas to join the team, partly to prevent a Russian from being assigned.

Corin Nemec happened to be at the courtyard of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Santa Monica offices rehearsing audition dialog for an independent film when some casting agents recognized him from previous projects.

[17] An MGM Sci-Fi newsletter revealed Corin Nemec to play the role of Liander [sic] Quinn in "Meridian" in November 2001, fueling fan speculation of the identity of the new character.

[16] Mallozzi stated before the airing of season 6 that "Jonas will bring a unique alien perspective and ability to the team [that] will allow him to contribute in areas of expertise usually owned by [Carter] and Daniel.

"[20] Brad Wright hoped that "what Corin, as Jonas, will bring to the show is a renewed sense of amazement" of traveling around the galaxy although older characters have grown accustomed to it.

The SciFi Channel eventually ordered a sixth season of the show, but the character of Jonas continued to be distrusted by loyal fans, who were concerned that Daniel's death might cause the SG-1 team to lose its moral compass.

[3] Producer Joseph Mallozzi claimed at the beginning of season 6 to still get the "odd incoherent rambling death threat passed along to me from the [Save Daniel Jackson] site".

[20] Amanda Tapping admitted that it had been easier to establish relationships with her co-stars at the beginning of the series, comparing Nemec's situation to "being the new kid in school; we're still trying to make [Corin] comfortable, but it's not the same".

Richard Dean Anderson was impressed with Nemec's performance in "Meridian", saying "he really struck me as a bright guy, very respectful of the dynamic of the set, but with an awareness of what he wanted to bring.

TV Zone's Jan Vincent-Rudzki expected Jonas to be "pushed out of the way" in season 7's "Fallen"/"Homecoming", but considered the character's departure as "keeping with previous events" and "quite plausible".