The core premise revolves around gay leads Will and Jack, whose sexualities drive multiple arcs: a major multi-episode 'Fagmalion' storyline where Will and Jack makeover Karen's straight-acting cousin Barry into an out gay man, addressing late-in-life coming out and internalized homophobia; Will and Grace's surrogacy baby plot highlighting gay parenting challenges; Jack recruiting Will for a gay soccer team in 'Field of Queens,' thrusting queer identity into a traditionally macho space; and Jack's fears of the 'Gay Mafia,' touching on intra-community dynamics. These are not incidental but influence character development and subplots, with guest appearances like Ellen reinforcing lesbian visibility.

Casting locks in gay roles for straight actors McCormack and Hayes, prioritizing representation over authenticity in today's terms. While executed as snappy comedy, these intrusions prioritize queer messaging and stereotypes—flamboyant Jack, Will's 'normal' gayness mirroring hetero norms—over unadulterated entertainment, diluting the sitcom's potential with identity-focused narratives that feel dated and agenda-driven in retrospect, alienating some viewers who criticized the reliance on gay punchlines and lack of physical affection between male characters.