A June 2021 review reaffirmed Decoy as the first American cop series with a woman lead, praising its historical interest and NYC location work.
In June 2021, the blog Cult TV Lounge published a detailed review of Decoy, reaffirming its position as the first American police series to feature a woman as the lead character. The review examined individual episodes, noting the show's unusual (for the era) commitment to location shooting throughout New York City, which lent the series a documentary-like realism.
The reviewer highlighted the significance of Beverly Garland's portrayal of undercover officer Patricia "Casey" Jones, discussing how the character navigated a range of investigative scenarios that showcased the versatility and competence of women in policing roles at a time when such depictions were essentially nonexistent on American television.
This 2021 review is part of a broader critical reassessment that has taken place among television historians and enthusiasts in the 21st century, as older, obscure series are rediscovered through preserved episodes circulating online and on physical media reissues. The review's emphasis on the historical importance of Decoy, alongside its assessment of the show's entertainment value, contributed to solidifying the series' reputation as a genuine pioneer rather than merely a curiosity of early television.
While the specific calendar day of publication is not documented beyond the month, the review remains a valuable piece of critical commentary situating Decoy within the broader history of women in American television drama.