The all-white cast reflects the real-life Eastern European setting and personnel, drawing ridicule rather than demands for diversity when a few voices complained about lack of POC. The sole notable female character, Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson), is a fictional composite of dozens of real scientists (mostly male) created for narrative streamlining, not ideological gender-swapping or feminist messaging.

No LGBTQ+ representation, identity politics, DEI lectures, or critiques of Western patriarchy/capitalism appear; themes universally condemn Soviet authoritarianism. Creator Craig Mazin focused on factual dramatization without activist statements on inclusion. Reception was overwhelmingly positive, with massive critical and audience acclaim (top IMDb ratings), anti-woke praise for authenticity, and backlash only from Russian state media and communists upset by the portrayal of systemic failures.