While Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi stuck to the script during dramatic moments, there are still some improv moments in the series. Waititi confirmed that the restaurant scene, as well as the foot touch, were both improvised.
Following the release of the last two episodes, the show spent 7 consecutive weeks at #1 on the list of Most In-Demand Series' in the United States, surpassing highly anticipated content from Marvel and Apple. It eventually dropped to #2 after Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022) premiered, but went to #1 again the following week, narrowly defeating the premiere of Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
In 1717, the historical Stede Bonnet was 29 years old, and did not live to see his 31st birthday. Rhys Darby was 47 during production.