The series went through several working titles before settling on Breaking In, starting as 'Titan Team,' then 'Security,' before Fox ordered additional scripts under the final title in June 2010.

The cast was assembled gradually during the pilot process: Bret Harrison was cast first, followed by Alphonso McAuley, then Odette Annable, with Christian Slater and Trevor Moore completing the lineup.

Michael Rosenbaum originally appeared only in a cameo role in the pilot episode, but producers were so impressed with his performance that they promoted him to the main cast as a recurring character.

When the show was renewed for a second season, only Christian Slater, Bret Harrison, and Alphonso McAuley returned as series regulars, while Odette Annable and Michael Rosenbaum were reduced to guest appearances, and Megan Mullally and Erin Richards joined the cast.

Christian Slater's character Oz often opens episodes with the line 'Greetings and salutations,' a direct reference to Slater's role in the 1988 film Heathers.

Fox initially cancelled Breaking In in May 2011 along with four other series, but just two days later reports emerged that the network was in talks with Sony Pictures Television about a possible second season.

Despite the cancellation announcement, Fox picked up options on the cast until November 15, 2011, keeping the door open for renewal, and the show was officially renewed for a second season three months after being cancelled.