The series originated as an idea by Colin Bostock-Smith and was written by Bob Larbey, known for co-writing The Good Life and Ever Decreasing Circles.

The show's original working title was Winter with Flowers, but it was changed on the first day of filming after cast members protested.

The new title was taken from the 1931 Herman Hupfeld song 'As Time Goes By', and a recorded version by Joe Fagin was used as the title music.

Judi Dench's real-life daughter Finty Williams appeared in the title sequence as the young Jean, while Geoffrey Palmer's son Charles Palmer appeared as the young Lionel.

According to the show's creator/producer, Jean Simmons had originally been offered the role of Jean, which was written with her in mind, but she declined because she was reluctant to leave her life in California, including her dogs, garden, and family.

In the radio adaptation, Jon Glover substituted for Philip Bretherton as Alistair in episodes 1-5 of the first series.

Actress Joan Sims, who played Madge, died in 2001; in series 9 her character was explained as being on an archaeological dig in Egypt to account for her absence, since Sims had died before filming began.

In 2004, As Time Goes By was ranked No. 29 in the poll Britain's Best Sitcom.