The series was created by Friday Night Lights and Parenthood executive producer Jason Katims, based on Ann Napolitano's novel of the same name. It grew out of Katims' overall deal at Apple Studios (he's since moved to Imagine Television) and reunited him with Friday Night Lights actress Connie Britton.
Dear Edward tells the story of Edward Adler (Colin O'Brien), a twelve-year-old boy who survives a devastating plane crash that kills all the other passengers on the flight, including his family. As Edward and a diverse cast of others affected by the tragedy try to understand life after the crash, unexpected friendships, romances and communities are formed.
From Apple Studios, Dear Edward was written by Katims, who served as showrunner. He produced through True Jack Productions with Jeni Mulein. Author Napolitano also served as an executive producer alongside Fisher Stevens (Palmer), who directed and produced the first episode. David Boyd served as a producing director.
In addition to O'Brien and Britton, the series also starred Taylor Schilling, Carter Hudson, Amy Forsyth, Idris DeBrand, Ivan Shaw, Jenna Qureshi, Anna Uzele, Dario Ladani Sanchez, Eva Ariel Binder, Brittany S. Hall, Maxwell Jenkins and Audrey Corsa.