Finding Carter began as a writing sample by Emily Silver, who shopped it around to networks including ABC Family and MTV before it was picked up.

Terri Minsky was brought on as an executive producer after the initial pitch, and the pilot script went through a rewrite before MTV placed a pilot order on September 12, 2013.

Nolan Sotillo was originally cast in the role of Gabe before Jesse Henderson took over the part, which was announced in April.

Cynthia Watros, who plays Elizabeth Wilson, was the first actor cast in the series back in October 2013, followed shortly by Kathryn Prescott, Anna Jacoby-Heron, Zac Pullam, and Jesse Henderson.

The series was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, using the old facility of Westlake High School as a filming location.

MTV renewed Finding Carter for a second season just a month after its debut, initially ordering 12 more episodes that were later extended to a total of 24 for season two.

MTV cancelled Finding Carter in January 2016 due to a drop in viewership.

The first season received generally favorable reviews, scoring 71 out of 100 on Metacritic and holding an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 8 reviews.