Sony Pictures Television first confirmed it was developing a TV series based on the Twisted Metal video game franchise during an investor relations presentation in May 2019.

The series was officially announced in February 2021 with Will Arnett, Rhett Reese, Michael Jonathan Smith, and Paul Wernick attached as executive producers, and Smith wrote the story based on an original take by Reese and Wernick before Peacock greenlit the half-hour action-comedy in February 2022.

Sweet Tooth is a dual performance: pro-wrestler Samoa Joe (credited as Joe Seanoa) physically portrays the killer clown, while Will Arnett provides his voice.

Anthony Mackie was the first actor cast, joining in September 2021 as both star and executive producer playing John Doe.

In April 2026, actor Mike Mitchell was let go from the series following a creative overhaul, and Mark Hamill joined the cast in a recurring role as Pope Charlie Kane for season three.

For the third season, showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith was replaced by David Reed.

Season one was filmed in New Orleans starting May 2022 on an estimated budget of $45 million before tax incentives, with production facing lightning delays, hurricane threats, extreme heat, and uncooperative cars during the summer shoot.

Season two moved production to Ontario, Canada, using Cambridge City Hall as the set for the fictional 'New San Francisco' city hall, and filming wrapped early on October 30, 2024, ahead of its original November 19 schedule.

Composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson drew heavily on 2000s nu-metal for the show's score, alongside numerous licensed 1990s and 2000s songs from various genres.

Within two weeks of release, Twisted Metal became Peacock's most-binged comedy premiere to date, racking up 400 million viewing minutes the weekend after launch according to Nielsen data.