The core premise and most episode plots (treasure hunts, Valentine's matchmaking, baseball games, Thanksgiving antics, and talent shows) remain traditional kid-comedy fare without overt social justice framing. However, the series features prominent progressive casting and character choices that go beyond organic background diversity. Dee Dee Holloway, one of Nate's core friends and drama club president, is explicitly portrayed as a lesbian with a crush on and relationship with new character Amy; this is an adaptational sexuality change from the straight depiction in the original comics and books.

Amy, voiced by disabled actress Ali Stroker, uses a wheelchair, adding visible disability representation. The friend group also includes Teddy (half-Mexican-American, half-Puerto Rican) and other racially diverse students. GLAAD highlighted the show for its LGBTQ elements, and LezWatchTV documents multiple queer characters.

These identity-focused additions influence subplots and character dynamics without driving the season's main narrative engine. Audience reception shows no widespread backlash or review-bombing tied to these elements, and creator statements emphasize fun and mischief over activism.