The series is based on Trent Dalton's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, with adaptation rights acquired by Brouhaha Entertainment, Anonymous Content, and Chapter One before Netflix commissioned an 8-episode limited series in March 2022.

Felix Cameron was revealed on 31 August 2022 to be playing the lead character Eli Bell, alongside main cast members Lee Tiger Halley, Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown, Anthony LaPaglia, and Sophie Wilde.

Principal photography began in August 2022 in Brisbane, with a house in Beenleigh used for Lyle and Frankie's home and Robert's house located in Wavell Heights.

The scenes depicting the family buying a secondhand Atari console were filmed in the Brisbane suburb of Chelmer.

The train scenes in Episode 6 were shot at Doomben Station, which was dressed to represent Bowen Hills Station, using an EMU 42 train set partially repainted and re-upholstered to resemble its 1980s appearance.

The scene where Eli and Caitlin talk on the train was filmed during a special service run between Doomben and Ipswich.

The series holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 reviews, with critics praising the story, tone, acting, and faithfulness to the source novel.

Author Trent Dalton personally praised Phoebe Tonkin's performance, saying it was 'raw and exposing and true' and reminded him why he wanted to write the novel in the first place.

At the 2024 Logie Awards, the series received a record 10 nominations, including nods for Best Miniseries, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, ultimately winning 5 Logies.