The New York Times has called the character "dissolute but human, gritty but glamorous", noting that two decades after the show's end, "Tubbs still look[s] very cool". Time magazine called Thomas' casting "inspired", noting that his easy-going nature provided a "sharp contrast" to Johnson's Crockett.
The New York Times portrayed the character as "morally ambiguous but endearing, rough and refined", noting that even two decades after the show ended, Tubbs still seems remarkably fashionable. Time magazine commended Thomas' casting, saying that his relaxed nature provided a notable difference between Johnson's Crockett.