While diversity aligns somewhat organically with an LAPD setting, the show's history includes replacing a Black actress amid racism allegations and consulting activist group Color of Change to rewrite earlier seasons for racial sensitivity. Storytelling integrates noticeable progressive themes without fully dominating the procedural format: a significant Season 7 arc centers on Nyla Harper launching a department initiative to probe excessive force and racial profiling, appointing her Black activist husband James as community liaison, creating marital tension over reform vs. loyalty to fellow officers—this explicitly critiques systemic police issues, echoing post-George Floyd discussions.

Showrunner Alexi Hawley emphasizes crafting a 'racially aware' cop show that tackles accountability and inclusion while staying fun and non-preachy. Audience reception is solid with high ratings, but includes Reddit complaints of 'black disposability' in character treatment and general frustration with plots over ideology; no widespread 'go woke go broke' backlash specific to Season 7, though the reform messaging elevates progressive influence on character arcs and themes beyond incidental levels.