The show's original title was delayed for its premiere because Stephen J. Cannell had also named his new TV show Viper; after a lawsuit from Chrysler Corporation, Cannell renamed his show Cobra.

The series was originally intended to debut on CBS in Fall 1993, but CBS considered it too violent and shelved it before NBC picked it up as a mid-season replacement in January 1994.

The star car's 'Defender' transformation, nicknamed the hex snakeskin effect, was created by Metrolight Studios for the pilot and first season, reportedly costing $50,000 per transformation scene.

Unlike most TV/film cars customized by production designers, the Viper Defender car was designed directly by Chrysler Corporation engineers, with exterior styling by Chrysler designer Steve Ferrerio.

Many vehicles used in season 1, including the Dodge Viper RT/10 roadsters, were not actual production models but leftover engineering mules and prototypes supplied by Chrysler, such as Eagle Premier sedans used as drivetrain test mules for the Dodge Intrepid/Chrysler Concorde.

After its NBC run, the show moved production for first-run syndication, filming season 2 mainly in Calgary, Alberta, before relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia, for seasons 3 and 4.

Joe Nipote, who played mechanic Frankie 'X' Waters, was the only actor to stay with the series from the original NBC season through the end of syndication, while James McCaffrey returned in season 4 after appearing in season 1.

Composer Eddie Jobson scored the pilot and season 1 opening theme, after which Jay Ferguson took over, remixing the original theme and later composing a new opening for season 4.