Natasha McElhone asked to be let go from her ABC series, Designated Survivor, in order to do this project.
All the rockets used in the series were model rockets. The rockets were provided by the Condfederation of Model Rocketeers of Canada.
The First marks the small-screen series regular debut for Oscar winner Sean Penn.
No cast, writing, directing etc.. credits appear until the end of each episode.
Beau Willimon previously worked with Sean Penn's ex-wife Robin Wright on the series House of Cards.