The Night Of features Freddy Knight, a powerful inmate whose implied queer identity is intertwined with his manipulative and predatory control over the vulnerable protagonist, Naz. This portrayal associates queer-coded behavior with danger and degradation within the prison system, resulting in a net problematic depiction.

The show features transsexual characters, including a murder victim whose identity is incidental, and an inmate, Petey. Petey's arc is marked by extreme vulnerability and unrelieved misery, enduring severe violence and sexual assault within the brutal prison system. The narrative depicts this degradation without a strong counter-narrative, resulting in a net negative portrayal.

The show is an adaptation of the British series "Criminal Justice." The lead character, Ben Coulter (white in the original), is portrayed as Nasir Khan (Pakistani-American) in the adaptation. Additionally, Detective Inspector Trevor Reacher (Black in the original) is portrayed as Detective Box (white). These changes constitute race swaps.

The film portrays Naz and his family with sympathy and nuance, highlighting the prejudice they face due to their Muslim identity within the justice system. The narrative critiques the societal biases and stereotypes against Muslims, positioning the audience to empathize with Naz as a victim of circumstance and systemic prejudice, rather than condemning the faith itself.