The series consciously emulates the visual style of Disney's Tron, applying its computer-world aesthetic to a superhero television format.

Although 13 episodes were produced, only 12 aired on ABC before the show was cancelled.

The show was cancelled due to poor ratings (13.6) combined with the high cost of its special effects, after being scheduled against the popular Scarecrow and Mrs. King and TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes.

Automan's glowing costume used retroreflective sheeting designed by 3M, made of tiny reflective balls capable of reflecting nearly 100 percent of light shone at it; the same technique had been used years earlier for the Kryptonian costumes in Superman.

The costume also had highly polished plates attached to create a holographic look, with the effect further enhanced in post-production through chromakey compositing.

The Autocar and Autochopper vehicles were brought to life by the special effects team using black props covered with strips of reflective tape, appearing on screen as wireframe sequences drawn by the character Cursor.

The fictional Autocar was based on a real-life Lamborghini Countach LP400, while the Autochopper was based on a real Bell Jetranger helicopter.

When Automan wrapped himself around Walter to protect him, the two appeared as a single person, which resulted in Walter inadvertently speaking in two voices at once.

The complete series did not receive a DVD release until October 2012, when Fabulous Films issued it in the UK; it later came to Region 1 for the first time via Shout! Factory in November 2015.