The television rights to Lauren Beukes's novel were acquired by Media Rights Capital and Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions in May 2013, before the novel was even released.

Show creator Silka Luisa reimagined the story structure by making Kirby the principal protagonist, whereas the novel tells the story from the point of view of each of Harper's victims.

Elisabeth Moss not only starred in the series but also directed two episodes, marking her involvement both in front of and behind the camera.

Principal photography took place over approximately five months, from May 24, 2021, to October 27, 2021, entirely in Chicago, Illinois.

In the television adaptation, Kirby and Dan do not become romantically involved, unlike in the novel, with Elisabeth Moss explaining that an eight-episode run was insufficient time to develop a love story properly.

Creator Silka Luisa envisioned time as a string that Harper moves up and down on, with the survivors remaining connected to this string—a concept that differs from the novel's representation of time.

Critics highlighted Elisabeth Moss's performance as a standout element, with Rotten Tomatoes noting it gives the mystery 'a riveting center of gravity,' despite mixed feelings about the time-bending plot.