Casting remains consistent with prior seasons, featuring Seth MacFarlane and a small core of white voice actors (Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis, Seth Green) for the family, with no evidence of diversity pushes or recasts for representation. Episodes occasionally touch on race, sexuality, or gender incidentally—e.g., 'Jerome Is the New Black' introduces a black neighbor but relies on stereotypes like the 'cool black guy,' criticized for racism rather than inclusivity; 'Quagmire's Dad' depicts a father's transition to a trans woman (Ida), portrayed with crude jokes that provoked backlash from LGBTQ groups like GLAAD for transphobia, not celebrated as progressive.

Other controversies, such as 'Peter-assment' mocking Terri Schiavo's disability or the banned 'Partial Terms of Endearment' on abortion, highlight shock humor over activism. No creator interviews from the era emphasize inclusion or challenging norms; Seth MacFarlane later defended controversial elements. Reception centers on edginess and dark humor, with no significant 'woke' backlash—audience complaints target offensiveness, while recent discussions contrast it favorably against later 'woke' seasons.