The 2021 series is a reboot inspired by the original 1988 The Wonder Years, but this version follows a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, in the late 1960s.

Fred Savage, the star of the original 1980s series, was originally attached to direct and executive produce the pilot when the project was first announced in July 2020.

Don Cheadle voices the adult narration for Dean Williams, serving as the older version of the show's young protagonist.

Production on the pilot took place in Atlanta, Georgia, starting in January 2021.

Crew members revealed at a 2021 Television Critics Association panel that the series would address major real-world events from 1968, including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Regarding the casting of Allen Maldonado, whose character was speculated to be Afro-Latino like the actor, writer and executive producer Saladin K. Patterson said the show wanted to represent the diversity of the Black diaspora both in appearance and in background stories.

Fred Savage was fired from his executive producer and director roles in May 2022 following allegations of inappropriate conduct, including verbal outbursts and inappropriate behavior; the series was renewed for a second season just seven days later.

The show's theme song, made available for streaming and download by Hollywood Records in November 2021, was written by Roahn Hylton and Jacob Yoffee and features vocals by Scotty Granger.