 The show was created by Brad Peyton of Newfoundland and Labrador, who explained that he identified himself as a "freak" growing up, and was thus motivated to try "celebrating flawed characters" in his work; he also employed stereotypical views of orphanages in the series.Peyton had previously made a black comedy short film called "", and afterwards declined to shoot a major film.Instead, he turned to "What It's Like Being Alone".