This project was originally set up in 2010 at HBO with James Gandolfini and his production company, Attaboy Films. It was bought by CBS, with Gandolfini on board to executive produce, just two weeks before his tragic death in June 2013.
This project went through three different incarnations at HBO, with various different writers. James Gandolfini, the project's executive producer, was even, at one point, loosely attached to play the lead.
CBS originally ordered this project to pilot in January 2014, but was delayed due to difficulties in casting the lead actor. Over a year later, in January 2015, John Leguizamo was cast in the pilot, with original executive producer, James Gandolfini, receiving a posthumous producing credit.