"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 very cool". "Time" magazine called Thomas' casting "inspired", noting that his easy-going nature provided a "sharp contrast" to Johnson's Crockett. The "National Review" echoed this sentiment, noting that "Tubbs, for example, seemed so much happier than the perennially haunted Crockett ... but there was never any question about the bond they shared". Turner Classic Movies have noted Thomas' "unique" and "engaging" portrayal of the role, stating that "his popularity crossed gender and racial lines", making "an indelible mark, " on viewers. "New York Magazine", however, simply noted the character as "an acceptable Sidney Poitier facsimile". Tubbs, along with Crockett, was named as one of "Entertainment Weekly"'s "25 Terrific TV Detectives" in 2009.