The series was originally conceived in 2018 as part of a planned shared television universe based on John Grisham's works, meant to interweave with an adaptation of his novel Rogue Lawyer for Hulu and ABC Studios, but neither project moved forward.

After that Hulu version fell through, writer Michael Seitzman revived The Rainmaker as a standalone project through his first-look deal with Blumhouse Television starting in 2021, which then took it to Lionsgate Television before USA Network ordered it to series in June 2024.

The show's greenlight was seen as part of a deliberate pivot by USA Network to return to producing original scripted dramas reminiscent of its earlier 'blue sky' programming era.

The main cast was assembled in rapid succession over about six weeks in August and September 2024, with John Slattery announced first as Leo F. Drummond, followed within days by Madison Iseman, Milo Callaghan, Lana Parrilla, P. J. Byrne, Robyn Cara, Dan Fogler, and Wade Briggs.

Merle Dandridge joined the cast as a new series regular for the second season, playing Amanda Vonn, announced in March 2026.

The series holds a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 critic reviews, with critics summarizing that it strips the Grisham novel of its flavor for a more clichéd courtroom format.

Metacritic gave the show a weighted average score of 53 out of 100 based on 17 critics, indicating 'mixed or average' reviews, yet USA Network still renewed it for a second season in October 2025.