Although Alyssa Milano didn't much care at the time for the actor playing Chad McCann, it was reported that Milano was pretty upset to have to act a storyline where she was two-timed by her boyfriend. She felt it was bad for her image and was very insecure about such a pretty girl playing the "other girl". As a result, she refused to speak to Julie Condra (who played Susie Sherman) and the script was rewritten so that Julie didn't appear beyond the kissing scene. She ended up with no line at all, to appease Milano.
The title is from the song "Hit the Road Jack" written by Percy Mayfield and recorded by Ray Charles. It was number one for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961.