following the first live episode of "the drew carey show" in 1999, which achieved high ratings, a second live episode was conceived in a bid to repeat that success and capitalise on the november sweeps ratings period. the producers also wanted to "push the envelope even further" than before, so they decided to keep many elements of the episode a secret from the cast. improvisational segments were added to the basic plot, allowing the producers to throw the cast "a few curve balls". executive producer bruce helford stated, "the actors don't know what's coming at them. they don't know what's behind every door."