Sinister (2012) and Doctor Strange (2016) director Scott Derrickson was originally attached to direct the pilot, based on a script by Josh Friedman of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-09). Both parties ended up exiting the series following orders for significant reshoots.
This attracted 3.3 million viewers when it debuted on TNT and TBS. Internationally, it has garnered much greater numbers as it airs on Netflix.
Production designer Barry Robison constructed 20 of the Snowpiercer's 1001 cars over four soundstages.
This was stuck in development hell for three years due to creative differences.