The cast features a diverse ensemble including Aisha Tyler (Black female), Adam Rodriguez (Latino male), and Daniel Henney (Asian male) alongside white leads like Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, and Matthew Gray Gubler, but this diversity evolved organically over 14 prior seasons rather than being forced or race/gender-swapped for Season 15, with no narrative emphasis on identities. Progressive reviewers criticize the season for its colorblind approach to race (rarely addressing racism or systemic issues), masculine framing of female competence, and heavy heteronormativity—equating happy endings with traditional heterosexual relationships (e.g., Reid and JJ's confession, Prentiss in a committed pairing)—while featuring zero queer protagonists and portraying LGBTQ+ characters only as one-off victims or perpetrators linked to violence.

Episodes focus on standard unsub plots like face-removal killers, Mandela effect decapitations, and ghostly hauntings, without lectures on patriarchy, capitalism, or contemporary activism. No creator interviews reveal activist intent; showrunners emphasized avoiding politics. Audience reception lacks 'woke' backlash, with complaints reserved for the later Evolution revival; instead, progressive outlets fault it for insufficient inclusion and representation.