Project Blue Book

The show features notable identity-driven themes. Mimi Hynek's character arc centers on seeking personal independence beyond being a housewife, leading to a physically intimate, romantic relationship with Susie Miller that includes a same-sex kiss. This prominent LGBTQ narrative, combined with themes of 1950s racial discrimination and segregation faced by minority characters, gives the story noticeable identity-focused elements.

The series portrays the U.S. military, the CIA, and government officials as highly corrupt and deceitful. While this is a standard trope of the conspiracy-thriller genre, the narrative also includes minor critiques of traditional 1950s gender roles and nuclear-family dynamics through Mimi's unhappiness as a traditional housewife.

The show deviates significantly from the real historical records of the people involved. The real Mimi Hynek did not have a romantic, sapphic relationship with a female Soviet spy. Fabricating this romantic subplot for a real historical figure represents a clear identity-driven change designed to insert a modern queer narrative into historical events.

There was no massive public backlash, but some conservative and family-focused reviewers complained that the show incorporated modern left-leaning political narratives about systemic racism. Others disliked the extremely cynical portrayal of the U.S. military and government.

The creative team has a mixed track record. While creator David O'Leary has no activist history, some of the key writers have a notable progressive background, such as feminist writer Linda Burstyn and industry activist Thania St. John, while other producers and directors have moderate to low scores.