Casting remains entirely with the long-standing original voice actors (e.g., Dan Castellaneta, Harry Shearer), showing no DEI-driven changes, race-swaps, or forced diversity clashing with the established Springfield universe. Key examples include 'The Burns Cage,' where Waylon Smithers pursues a gay relationship with Julio, marking a focal progression of his long-hinted sexuality and critiquing codependent dynamics with Mr. Burns; 'Paths of Glory,' highlighting the erasure of a female inventor's contributions and drone warfare profiteering; 'The Marge-ian Chronicles,' satirizing gender double standards in space colonization selection; 'Friend with Benefit,' addressing class inequality via rich-poor friendships; and multiple Lisa-centric arcs emphasizing animal welfare, hormonal milk health risks, and social media's societal impact.

Other episodes touch on immigrant labor struggles ('Much Apu About Something'), homelessness aid ('Gal of Constant Sorrow'), and puberty pressures ('Teenage Mutant Milk-Caused Hurdles'). These elements influence character arcs and plots but feel organic to the show's tradition of broad satire across political spectra, without overt lectures, creator-stated activism, or audience uproar labeling it 'woke'—reception was generally positive with awards for episodes like 'Halloween of Horror.' No major controversies arose at the time, and retrospective 'woke' criticisms target later seasons.