NCIS: New Orleans featured a non-binary character, Dr. Hannah Khoury, depicted with dignity and professionalism. Their romantic relationship with Sebastian Lund was portrayed as normal and loving, without their identity being sensationalized or problematized. The overall portrayal was respectful and affirming.

The show features trained female NCIS agents, such as Tammy Gregorio, who frequently engage in close-quarters physical altercations with male suspects. These agents are shown to be proficient in subduing and defeating male opponents through direct physical force and combat skills.

The show frequently features Christian characters and institutions as part of the New Orleans community, often portraying faith as a source of comfort, moral guidance, or community support. While individual religious figures might be involved in criminal activity, the narrative typically frames these as personal failings rather than a critique of Christianity itself.