The series is based on Mick Herron's 2003 novel of the same name, adapted for television by Morwenna Banks, who also serves as executive producer.

The project was produced by the London-based 60Forty Films and was first announced in April 2024, with Natalie Bailey attached as lead director.

Author Mick Herron and star Emma Thompson both served as executive producers on the series, alongside Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash of 60Forty Films.

Emma Thompson leads the cast as misanthropic private investigator Zoë Boehm, alongside Ruth Wilson as Sarah Trafford.

In August 2024, a wave of additional cast members joined the series, including Adeel Akhtar, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Tom Goodman-Hill, Darren Boyd, Tom Riley, Adam Godley, Sinead Matthews, Ken Nwosu, Fehinti Balogun and Aiysha Hart.

Although the story is set in and around Oxford, principal photography actually began in Bristol in June 2024, using locations such as the University of Bristol campus.

Filming also took place at Bishops Lydeard railway station and in the village of Street, both in Somerset.

On Rotten Tomatoes the series holds an 81% approval rating based on 58 critic reviews, with the critics' consensus praising Emma Thompson's 'flinty star turn' despite a tonally imbalanced mystery.

Metacritic gave the show a weighted average score of 71 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating 'generally favorable' reviews.

Apple TV renewed Down Cemetery Road for a second season on 12 December 2025, shortly after the first season's finale aired.