It was devised and written by Lynda La Plante, known for her hit television series Prime Suspect, which went on hiatus in the same year.

La Plante felt that the series had reached a natural end and decided not to write any further episodes, therefore the last episode was broadcast on 27 April 1996, and ended with a cliffhanger that was not resolved.

The series starred Janet McTeer and Derek Martin as prisoner governors Helen Hewitt and Gary Marshall respectively.

The second season was shot in Ireland at various locations around Dublin including Wheatfield prison.

A total of twelve episodes of The Governor have aired to date.