The concept for the series originated from former Nickelodeon president Cy Schneider, who wanted a children's show that parodied the news magazine format.

While working on the series, Coulier originated many traits that he went on to use for the character Joey Gladstone on Full House, including his signature catchphrase "Cut-it-out!

Dave's fellow crew members are archetypal characters, such as the shrill, plastic-fantastic party-girl stage manager Diz Aster (Diz McNally), the clueless reporter Angela "Scoop" Quickly (Jill Wakewood), the caustic newshawk Hern Burford (Marty Schiff), Professor Gravity (who was later re-used in the radio sketch Ask Dr. Science), and Waldo, the bespectacled mad inventor (David Stenstrom) and crew member.

Guest stars included Bill Bixby (from The Incredible Hulk, and Against the Odds), Mouth Sounds author and Livewire host Fred Newman (who had a sound effects contest with Dave), comedian Bruce Baum (playing a fraud who collected clothing of celebrities), Joel Hodgson (playing an inept magician), and Dennis Miller (a man trying to survive in the desert).

[1] Hughes originally considered Bob Saget, a friend of Coulier who co-starred with him as Danny Tanner on Full House, for the role of the host.