A television pilot for the series was announced in October 2019, with production beginning the following year. In November 2020, CBS gave the project a series order, scheduling it to premiere on April 1, 2021. Released to mixed reviews, "United States of Al" was criticized for its humor, use of antiquated tropes, and casting of an Indian actor to play an Afghan lead with an inauthentic accent. However, the show was praised by some for its attempts to diversify television, and for the cultural representation of its main character. At the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, the show's pilot received a nomination for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program.