The show takes significant creative liberties by reimagining Tudor England with a notably diverse cast and modern identity politics front and center. Key roles are filled with actors chosen more for contemporary representation than strict historical fit, undercutting authenticity and period accuracy. The focus on identity often overshadows deeper character development and narrative nuance, making ideology feel prioritized.

Traditional religious, family, and moral themes are either downplayed or cast in a critical light. Masculine characters are routinely reinterpreted through today’s lens, while historical hierarchies are often flattened or reversed. The show frequently reworks legacy religious and social norms to align with current ideological sensibilities, which feels like history through 'woke' glasses.

Alternative viewpoints are either tokenized or demonized, with dissenting perspectives shown as outdated at best or villainous at worst. Dialogue and worldbuilding lean heavily toward present-day orthodoxies, offering little room for genuine debate or character pluralism. It’s a textbook example of ideological uniformity in modern prestige television.