Casting includes organic diversity for a New York setting: S. Epatha Merkerson as the established Black female Lt.

Anita Van Buren, Benjamin Bratt as Latino detective Rey Curtis replacing the prior white detective, alongside predominantly white male leads like Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston—no race/gender-swapping, forced DEI, or identity-driven choices clashing with narrative. Themes occasionally touch incidental social issues, such as anti-Semitism in 'Blood Libel' or potential biases in child welfare in 'Custody,' but these are episodic, balanced from a pro-justice system perspective without lectures on systemic racism, patriarchy, or identity politics; no prominent LGBTQ+ representation or feminist arcs.

Creator Dick Wolf shows no activist intent, emphasizing entertainment over messaging. Reception is highly positive (average IMDb 7.9/10), with no backlash, controversies, or 'woke' criticisms—unlike later reboots—confirming neutral, entertainment-first approach with only background modern inclusivity.