There is an irony in the desire to watch a show about systemic inequality for free. Delhi Crime is an expensive production to make, requiring high production values to authentically recreate the streets of Delhi. If the revenue model is eroded by piracy, the incentive to produce nuanced, locally rooted content diminishes. Viewers searching for free access risk contributing to a future where such ambitious storytelling is no longer viable, replaced by cheaper, formulaic content.

However, audience reception was broadly positive. The accessibility of the show through legitimate channels allowed for a global conversation about Indian policing. Yet, the piracy statistics suggest that the show’s reach far exceeds Netflix’s subscriber count. This "shadow audience"—those watching via unauthorized streams—forms a significant, uncounted portion of the fanbase. They discuss the show, write reviews, and contribute to the cultural zeitgeist, yet they remain invisible to the platform's metrics.