In developing the series, the creators set out to make an "adult show for kids"—adapting the adult-oriented "SpeedMouse" for a wider audience while also adding layered jokes for parents and older viewers. According to Shane Dundas: "with "The Upside Down Show" the mantra was 'Well, kids are going to love this but we really want to make sure there are gags in there for the grown-ups as well!'" David Collins elaborated, "The series is filled with gags that will fly over the heads of little ones and straight into the face of the parent stalking behind them. Some of these gags we had to fight censors for."