The series is based on Charles Forsman's 2017 graphic novel of the same name.

Although Netflix ordered eight episodes for the first season, only seven were ultimately produced.

The show was created by Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall, with Entwistle also directing all episodes.

Filming took place in Pittsburgh starting in June 2019, with the town of Brownsville, Pennsylvania serving as a primary location.

Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School in Wilmerding was used as the exterior of the high school.

Photographs of Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden are briefly shown as an easter egg referencing their characters James and Alyssa from The End of the F***ing World, implying the two shows take place in the same timeline.

Netflix initially renewed the series for a second season but canceled it in August 2020, citing circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The series received generally positive reviews, holding an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 68/100 on Metacritic, and was nominated for Best Adaptation from Comic Book/Graphic Novel at the 2020 Harvey Awards.