Episode 2, 'A Stereotypical Day,' prominently features the first openly transgender child actor on network TV as Lily's friend Tom, with Cam and Mitchell teaching Lily about acceptance after she insults him, turning a playdate into a lesson on non-judgmental parenting and trans inclusion. Episode 20, 'All Things Being Equal,' dedicates the entire family storyline to supporting gender equality and the women's movement, with characters like Gloria, Claire, and the kids participating in marches and empowerment acts, while Jay and Phil clash over a female parking attendant played by Niecy Nash.

Guest casting emphasizes diversity, including Winston Duke as a black protégé and black neighbors prompting Jay's stereotypical assumptions. These moments include overt messaging on acceptance, feminism, and equality, drawing some audience backlash labeling the women's equality episode as 'political garbage' and 'go woke go broke,' with critics noting the show's shift toward Trump-era political themes.

However, these elements appear in only 2 of 22 episodes, do not overhaul main casting or arcs (consistent ensemble with no race/gender swaps), and remain secondary to core family comedies about businesses, high school, and holidays. The integration feels somewhat organic to the sitcom's progressive DNA but occasionally lecture-like, influencing reception with mixed reviews rather than dominating or compromising the season's entertainment value.