Not Dead Yet is based on the novel Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, adapted for television by David Windsor and Casey Johnson.

Gina Rodriguez was cast in the lead role on March 29, 2022, before the rest of the main cast was finalized.

Jessica St. Clair and Mary Elizabeth Ellis were originally announced as series regulars in April 2022, but by May 2022 creative tweaks led to changes in the starring cast lineup.

Rick Glassman was initially reported to be joining the series only in a recurring capacity, but he ended up being promoted to a full series regular.

Several veteran actors including Martin Mull, Ed Begley Jr., Rhea Perlman, Tony Plana, Brittany Snow, and Julia Sweeney were announced in January 2023 to appear as ghosts in various episodes, tying into the show's supernatural premise.

Not Dead Yet received a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 critic reviews, with critics praising Gina Rodriguez's performance while noting the show needed more spark.

The series was recognized with the ReFrame Stamp for 2022-2023, an award given to film and TV productions demonstrating gender-balanced hiring practices.

The show was canceled by ABC on May 10, 2024, after two seasons, despite having been renewed for season two just a year earlier in May 2023.