The series is Starz's first original scripted drama, developed after the network sought to compete with original programming successes from rivals HBO and Showtime.

Crash is based on the Academy Award-winning 2004 film of the same name, and the film's writers Paul Haggis and Robert Moresco were interested in developing a TV series based on the property, leading Lionsgate and Starz to collaborate on the adaptation.

The show was developed for television by Glen Mazzara, who had previously worked extensively as a writer and producer on The Shield.

Don Cheadle, who starred in and produced the original 2004 film, joined the TV series as a co-executive producer without appearing on screen.

The writing staff was assembled from veterans of acclaimed HBO dramas: Frank Renzulli had worked on The Sopranos, Ted Mann on Deadwood, and Chris Collins on The Wire.

Several season 1 cast members, including Arlene Tur, Clare Carey, D. B. Sweeney, Brian Tee, Luis Chávez, Nick E. Tarabay and Tom Sizemore, did not return for season 2, while new cast members like Eric Roberts, Dana Ashbrook, Linda Park and Jake McLaughlin joined the show.

Reviews were mixed: The New York Times found the show had a 'noirish appeal', while Variety called it unoriginal and The Boston Globe stated none of the stories or characters were remotely interesting.