The debate scenes were shot at a local high school gym. During filming, the school was put under lock down for a possible active shooter situation and the crew and cast were held in the gym for several hours.
A subplot where Annie shows signs of attraction towards Simmons was dropped when the high level of chemistry between Annie and Jeff made itself apparent during filming.
The debate coach tells Jeff that he is offering a chance to drink from the cup of life, "rather than romancing your nether regions in front of the E! Channel." Joel McHale, who plays Jeff, has hosted The Soup (2004) on E! Channel for many years.
The episode title "Debate 109" is a bit of an in-joke, as it's the ninth episode of the first season, or episode 1.09.
Due to the limited time the production was able to use the gym, most of the close up shots were done later at the studio.