Background diversity in supporting roles, such as Black actor Zach Cherry as Ethan and mixed-race Shay Mitchell as Peach, feels organic and does not alter the source material significantly or drive the story. A recurring trans actress (Hari Nef as Blythe) and subtle queer undertones in Peach's possessive feelings for Beck are incidental and not focal points.

The show critiques modern ills like social media privacy invasion and privilege in elite circles, but notably takes aim at self-righteous male feminists through Joe's hypocritical 'ally' persona, positioning it as a caution against performative progressivism rather than endorsement. Creators like showrunner Sera Gamble emphasized deconstructing toxic male romantic tropes in a #MeToo context, but this serves the narrative's dark humor and thrills, not activism. No significant audience backlash labeled it 'woke'; it was a massive hit praised for storytelling over ideology, proving traditional entertainment thrives without progressive overreach.