The series was created by Ben Best, Jody Hill and Danny McBride, with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's production company Gary Sanchez Productions securing an order for six episodes from HBO for the first season.

While not based on the life of former MLB pitcher John Rocker, the show's creators cited Rocker's attitude as an inspiration for Kenny Powers.

Former major league pitcher Mitch 'Wild Thing' Williams has often been cited as the inspiration for the Kenny Powers character, though Williams himself has disavowed any connection.

Danny McBride said he and his co-creators intended the show to 'make fun of a South where you could learn an ancient martial art like Taekwondo in a shopping center next to a tanning salon.'

Although season 2 was set in Mexico, filming actually took place in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

Season 3 was filmed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at TicketReturn.com Field, where Kenny Powers plays for a fictional minor league team called the Myrtle Beach Mermen.

The writers initially considered setting season 2 in America instead of Mexico, with McBride revealing they thought about opening on a shot of the giant sombrero at South of the Border and setting the whole season in Myrtle Beach.

The fourth and final season of Eastbound & Down holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 critics, while seasons 2 and 3 received Metacritic scores of 89 and 83 out of 100 respectively, both indicating 'universal acclaim'.