Shadowhunters offers a primarily positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters through the central and celebrated relationship of Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. Their journey from internal struggle to open, committed love is depicted with dignity, complexity, and agency, affirming the worth of queer lives and love.

The show features multiple female characters who are proficient in physical combat. Isabelle Lightwood consistently engages in and wins close-quarters fights against male demons and adversaries using her whip and martial arts. Maia Roberts also demonstrates victory in physical brawls against male opponents.

Luke Garroway, a significant character depicted as white in the source novels, is portrayed by a Black actor in the show. This constitutes a clear instance of a race swap.

The show's core mythology centers on Nephilim, half-angel beings with a divine mandate to fight demons. While the rigid institution of the Clave is often critiqued for its prejudice, the underlying angelic heritage and sacred mission are consistently portrayed as righteous and noble.