The series is based on Bret Easton Ellis' semi-autobiographical novel of the same name and was originally developed at HBO starting in April 2023, with Ellis writing and executive producing.

In a June 2023 interview, Ellis confirmed that Luca Guadagnino was set to direct the HBO adaptation, and Ellis mentioned he might direct some episodes himself.

By January 2025, director Kristoffer Borgli had signed on to helm the adaptation at HBO, but the project was dropped following creative differences.

Ryan Murphy stepped in to revive the project at a new network in February 2025, and by May 2025 FX announced early development of the series with Max Winkler set to direct.

Jacob Elordi was reported to be in talks for a role in the adaptation back in September 2023, before the project moved from HBO to FX.

Igby Rigney was cast to play a version of creator Bret Easton Ellis himself, alongside Homer Gere as the mysterious Robert Mallory.

Troye Sivan and his longtime collaborator Leland contributed original music for the series alongside Oscar Görres and series star Hayes Warner.

Filming for the series took place from November 2025 to March 2026.