It is set in the Marvel cinematic universe and shares continuity and relations with the films of the franchise.
The series was created for ABC by Joss Whedon, who is the director of the two “Avengers” movies, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen and produced for TV by ABC Studios, Marvel Television and Mutant Enemy Productions. Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen and Jeffrey Bell serve as the showrunners.
The series revolves around the character of Phil Coulson and his team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who must deal with various unusual cases and enemies including Hydra and the Inhumans.
It was Joss Whedon who actually initiated the development of the pilot episode of “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” following the success of Marvel’s “The Avengers” back in 2012. The series was officially picked up by ABC in May 2013 and began airing in September that year for its first season containing 22 episodes.
Season 2, which began airing on September 23, 2014, and culminated with its series finale on May 12, 2015, also had 22 episodes. Season 3 which shall begin airing on September 29 is also confirmed for 22 episodes.