The After is described as "a thriller which revolves around a mysterious, unexplained event [and] incorporates elements of science fiction, suspense, and real world fear and paranoia." It is said to take place at "the moment of apocalypse" and Carter is expected to direct the pilot from his own script.
Best known for creating The X-Files, Carter's other TV credits include the spin-offs Millennium and The Lone Gunmen, as well as an adaptation of the comic book Harsh Realm. His most recent directing credit was the X-Files movie The X-Files: I Want to Believe in 2008, while he's also currently in post production on the thriller Fencewalker.