The before and after pictures of people who have gone through NZT trials are real, but the side effects are from meth, not NZT. Most of the photos come from "Faces of Meth," a campaign used to show the real-life damages that meth can have on a person.
Bradley Cooper and Jake McDorman appeared in American Sniper (2014). When Cooper became an executive producer on this show, he recommended McDorman for the lead role.
According to THR.com, this show was officially cancelled on May 25, 2016, the day after CBS President Glenn Geller was told that the producers were trying to find a home for the second season. He stated, "I'm truly sad to report that Limitless will not continue on any platform. Thanks so much to everyone who watched."
Neil Burger, who directed Limitless (2011), was set to return as director for the pilot. However, he backed out to direct the pilot for Billions (2016). Marc Webb replaced him.