Them

The entire series is built on identity-driven themes. The narrative uses supernatural horror as a direct metaphor for racial trauma, systemic oppression, and white supremacy. Season 1 explores the horror of being black in an all-white 1950s neighborhood. Season 2 centers on systemic racism and police brutality in 1991 Los Angeles. A closeted gay subplot in Season 1 also introduces themes of homophobia. These themes are central to every episode and dominate the story.

The show heavily critiques Western institutions and traditional culture. It frames the suburban 1950s "American Dream" as a toxic and racist lie. It portrays white suburban neighbors, traditional gender roles, and community norms of the era as inherently evil and oppressive. In Season 2, the LAPD is depicted as a deeply corrupt, racist institution. This critique directly aligns with modern activist narratives.

The show faced some anti-woke and right-leaning backlash from viewers who criticized it as "wokesploitation" and anti-white propaganda, pointing out that almost all white characters are shown as evil. However, this backlash was overshadowed by mainstream and left-leaning criticism accusing the show of exploiting black pain as "trauma porn."

Creator Little Marvin (score 85) and executive producer Lena Waithe (score 75) are the main driving forces behind the series. Both have a strong history of producing content centered on black identity, social justice, and queer visibility. While some of the directors and writers have more traditional horror portfolios, the show's overall creative direction is steered by activists with highly visible social-justice priorities.