Writers John Esmonde and Bob Larbey were inspired to create the series by Larbey's own 40th birthday, which felt like a milestone moment in most people's lives.

The Good Life was written specifically for Richard Briers, who was the only cast member already well known before the series aired.

Peter Bowles was originally cast to play Jerry Leadbetter but was unavailable; he later starred opposite Penelope Keith in To the Manor Born instead.

Hannah Gordon was considered for the role of Barbara but was ruled out because she had recently played a similar role in the BBC sitcom My Wife Next Door.

Esmonde and Larbey chose Felicity Kendal and Penelope Keith for their roles after seeing the two actresses perform together on stage in The Norman Conquests.

Although the story is set in Surbiton, outdoor filming actually took place in Kewferry Road, Northwood, a different London suburb, after producers searched extensively for a suitable pair of houses.

The grounds of the Goods' house were restored to their original state after filming each series' outdoor inserts, and all livestock was removed at the end of each day's filming.

The final special episode, 'When I'm Sixty-Five', was recorded as a Royal Command Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee, reportedly because The Good Life was said to be her favourite show.

Despite the show reportedly being the Queen's favourite, when Felicity Kendal's son presented her with a bouquet at Television Centre, the Queen asked 'who is Felicity Kendal?'

The show was retitled Good Neighbors for its US broadcast on PBS to avoid confusion with a short-lived American sitcom of the same name.