Inspired by and loosely based on true events, Transparent draws themes from series creator Joey Soloway's own father coming out as a trans parent three years prior to the show's release.
Joey Soloway always had Jeffrey Tambor in mind for the role of Maura: "Everyone knows how funny Jeffrey is, but he is also a great actor because he can make you feel."
The opening titles are updated with different clips every season. Season 1 featured footage from Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Season 2 reflected the queer Weimar era and women's movement. Season 3 focused mainly on families in the queer community. Season 4 keeps many of the previous themes while incorporating the landscape of Israel.
(February 2018) Jeffrey Tambor was officially fired from the show after Van Barnes and Trace Lysette accused him of sexual harassment (acting inappropriately and making sexual advances) in November 2017. Tambor denied any claims made against him by the actresses when they were first revealed. Already months before the firing was made official, Tambor stated that he can't see how he could return to the show due to set's "politicized atmosphere".
Joey Soloway has said that Andrea Arnold's Fish Tank (2009) made them decide to take the leap from writing to also directing. Arnold has since directed several episodes of Transparent (2014).