Freud takes major creative liberties with history, blending fact, fiction, and supernatural elements. Some characters appear cast with diversity in mind, but this isn’t overt or aggressively foregrounded. The show prioritizes edgy reimagining over strict historical verisimilitude, leading to moments where ideological stylings take precedence over coherent storytelling.

Traditional institutions like religion and family are often painted as obstacles or sources of repression. The show leans into portraying Freudian psychoanalysis as an emancipatory force, sometimes at the expense of balanced representation of old-world values. Masculinity is frequently pathologized, and traditional roles are subverted for dramatic effect.

There’s a strong sense that the show wants to critique 19th-century Viennese society from a modern, progressive lens. Dissenting viewpoints are typically presented through villains or repressed caricatures, with little room for genuine debate or nuance. Alternative worldview characters are rarely shown sympathetically.