Adapted from the novel by Frank Schätzing, the series depicts the struggle with aggression by a mysterious deep sea intelligence that is reacting to human-caused environmental damage.

The series was produced by ZDF within the framework set by the European Alliance, with France Télévisions and RAI, and in co-production with ORF, SRF, Viaplay Group and Hulu Japan who formed the joint venture 'Schwarm TV Productions GmbH & Co KG'.

[6] The international cast is selected by casting director Robert Sterne, and includes European actors, Cécile de France, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jack Greenlees, Lydia Wilson, Krista Kosonen, Alexander Karim, Leonie Benesch and German star Barbara Sukowa with Japanese actors Takuya Kimura and Takehiro Hira.

[9] The Swarm had its world premiere at 73rd Berlin International Film Festival in Berlinale Series on 19 February 2023, where the first three episodes were screened out of competition.

McCahill opined, "Its briny pulp – dredged from Frank Schätzing’s 2004 novel, preys heavily on viewer fears of ecological collapse, and what might be lurking for us all beneath the planet’s watery depths".