The character of Richard Connelly is based partially on Roy Neary, the main character of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) played by Richard Dreyfuss.
Regal Entertainment Group theatres did a cross promotion with NBC advertising this show. All of the promotion materials (i.e. posters, carpets, popcorn bags, etc.) had the show titled as "Fathom" well after the series was renamed "Surface".
NBC's original title for this series was "Fathom".
Dr. Daughtery's (Lake Bell's) home- though said to be in California- can be seen on the ICWW between Masonboro Island and Wilmington, on the west bank.
The majority of this series was shot in southeastern NC, in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. This is indicative by the sheer flatness of the land, as well as the native flora.