As Act I develops, we learn that corporate network pressures are being brought to bear in an effort to both shorten the show, dumb it down and walk the line as Sen. Joseph McCarthy is gaining power with his Communist hunts and blacklists.

Source: https://arktimes.com/rock-candy/2023/02/08/the-reps-laughter-on-the-23rd-floor-offers-wisecracks-on-a-well-worn-path

Experts say there is a long history of U.S. politicians calling opponents Marxist or communist without evidence — perhaps most infamously Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who led efforts to blacklist accused communists in the 1950s.

Source: https://m.startribune.com/trump-and-other-republicans-conjure-a-familiar-enemy-in-attacking-democrats-as-communists/600283650/

In one steamy scene, the two lead characters showed off their intense chemistry as they talked politics involving Joseph McCarthy and President Roosevelt, while Tim sits in Hawk's lap and Hawk slowly unbuttons Tim's shirt.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12882897/From-Obsession-Fellow-Travelers-raciest-shows-year-look-steamy-bingeable-series-left-viewers-hot-collar-2023.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Some Poles say it could come to resemble the investigations of Joseph McCarthy, the US senator whose anti-Communist campaign in the early 1950s led to hysteria and political persecution.

Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41154688.html