The original plot for Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle's show PEN15 involved a cult, according to the article. Erskine and Konkle initially wanted to explore the dark undertones of middle school through the lens of a religious cult. However, they eventually decided to focus on a more relatable portrayal of adolescence. Despite the change in direction, PEN15 has been praised for its honest and nostalgic depiction of the awkwardness of pre-teen years.