Even with the decision to make the Mazzuchelli character a straight man, Sokolove says, Rise serves as a good example of LGBT-friendly programming. Rise producers Jeffrey Selle and Flody Suarez agree, having issued a statement indicating that the show "portrays positive depictions of LGBTQ characters and stories," and that it "worked with GLAAD on the show's LGBTQ story lines to ensure they are told with respect and authenticity." Producers added that the criticisms leveled against the show are "against what we fundamentally believe and who we are as individuals."