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 highlighted the character as "immoral yet relatable, rough-around-the-edges yet stylish", emphasizing that even two decades after the show ended, Tubbs still exudes a sense of coolness. Time magazine commended Thomas' casting, saying that his laid-back nature provided a notable contrast to Johnson's Crockett.