The series was created by Tom Rob Smith, who also served as an executive producer alongside Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with FX Productions and Color Force producing.

FX on Hulu gave the production an eight-episode limited series order on June 22, 2021.

Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara were cast to star as soon as the series order was announced.

On November 10, 2021, several main cast members joined the series, including Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, and Rosalind Eleazar.

Sunu Gonera was announced on August 13, 2021, to direct the pilot episode.

Steven Canals announced on March 1, 2022, that he would direct two episodes of the series.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 58% approval rating with an average score of 6.3/10 based on 33 critic reviews, while Metacritic gave it a score of 63 out of 100 based on 20 critics.

Brian Tyree Henry received nominations for Outstanding Lead Performance in a TV Movie/Limited Series at the 2024 Black Reel Awards for Television and for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.