This shift, initiated after a 2011 producer controversy over lack of minorities, manifests in multi-ethnic ensembles that some viewers decry as box-ticking. Plots incorporate contemporary social elements, such as a fetish/OnlyFans storyline sparking backlash for being 'woke,' and the finale 'Dressed to Kill,' which revolves around a drag queen charity event where the opposing parish chairwoman is murdered—framing anti-drag sentiment negatively while featuring drag performers prominently, complete with dialogue on cisgender and transgender terms.

Main cast remains traditionally white and straight, preserving core dynamics, but these elements influence character interactions and episode premises without fully overtaking the murder-mystery format. Creator intent reflects post-2011 commitments to inclusion, and reception includes significant audience outrage, with fans switching off, calling it ruined by diversity quotas and modern agendas, aligning with 'go woke go broke' critiques.