The most prominent progressive element is the recurring surrogacy storyline for the established gay couple Kevin Walker and Scotty Wandell, spanning multiple episodes such as 'Breaking the News,' 'Zen and the Art of Mole Making,' 'Run Baby Run,' and the season finale, where they navigate choosing a surrogate (Michelle), sperm donation processes, disagreements, and eventual pregnancy confirmation. This arc receives substantial screen time and emotional weight as part of their marriage and family aspirations, alongside Saul Holden's parallel exploration of his own gay identity and HIV concerns.

No race- or gender-swapping of established characters occurs, and casting reflects the original ensemble without DEI mandates. The show's premise remains a traditional multi-generational family drama rather than an identity-politics vehicle, with the LGBTQ+ elements functioning as character-driven subplots rather than overt messaging or critiques of norms.