The series is often described as a "docusoap," blending documentary-style filming with the dramatic flair of a soap opera [34]. It explores several key narrative threads:
: A central conflict involves the social hierarchy at Gallaudet, specifically the "Deaf Elite"—students from multi-generational Deaf families who grew up using American Sign Language (ASL)—and those who use hearing aids or cochlear implants and may have learned sign language later in life [21, 34]. Deaf U
: While Gallaudet University allowed filming on its campus in the fall of 2019, the institution had no official role in the creation, casting, or approval of the content [21]. The series is often described as a "docusoap,"