The miniseries is based on former FBI director James Comey's autobiography A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, adapted by writer-director Billy Ray.

Billy Ray met with James Comey multiple times over the course of a year to prepare the series before writing and directing it.

Anthony Hopkins was at one point attached to play Donald Trump before Brendan Gleeson was cast in the role.

Brendan Gleeson accepted the role of Donald Trump on the stipulation that he would not have to do press for the series.

Jeff Daniels was the first choice to play James Comey, though Liev Schreiber and Kyle Chandler were also considered for the part.

Filming took place in Toronto starting in November 2019, and the production had a budget of $40 million.

The series was originally scheduled to premiere on Showtime after the 2020 United States presidential election, but was moved up to air over two nights starting September 27, 2020, following criticism from director Billy Ray about the planned airdate.

Some critics singled out Brendan Gleeson's performance as both the best and worst element of the miniseries, noting his portrayal evoked Trump's menace but was undercut by heavy makeup.