The series is based on the semi-autobiographical short stories of Mikhail Bulgakov, written in 1925–1926 and inspired by his real experiences as a newly graduated young doctor in 1916–18.

The second series is specifically based on Bulgakov's short story titled 'Morphine'.

Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe both portray the same main character, Dr. Vladimir Bomgard, at different ages, with Hamm as the older doctor and Radcliffe as his younger self.

The title cards and credits use faux Cyrillic lettering to enhance the Russian setting.

The music was composed by Stephen Warbeck and features violin, clarinet, acoustic guitar, and cello; the theme song appeared on Sky Arts' compilation album Sky Theme Tunes, Vol. 2.

A half-hour behind-the-scenes documentary aired immediately after the final episode of series two on Sky Arts 1 on 12 December 2013.

The first series averaged 252,000 viewers, making it the most watched programme on Sky Arts 1 at the time of its airing.

The show was nominated for the Magnolia Award for Best Television Film or Miniseries at the 19th Shanghai Television Festival in 2013 and for the Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the 18th Satellite Awards in 2014.