Reality Z is an adaptation of Dead Set, a British series created by Charlie Brooker, adapted by Cláudio Torres and João Costa.

The series was announced by Charlie Brooker, creator of Dead Set, during a Netflix panel at the Rio2C (Rio Creative Conference) event on April 24, 2019.

On the same day, Netflix Brasil's social media accounts shared a teaser in which Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos tries to convince host Sabrina Sato that there is no problem with the program.

Coinciding with the announcement of the series, it was revealed that Guilherme Weber, Jesus Luz, Ana Hartmann, Emílio de Mello, Carla Ribas, Luellem de Castro, Ravel Andrade, and Wallie Ruy would join the cast, with Sabrina Sato appearing as a special guest.

The series was compared by some viewers to The Walking Dead; however, it is actually an adaptation of Dead Set, which aired two years before it.