Casting remains faithful to the source material and setting, featuring a predominantly white ensemble that organically reflects the Cooper family's conservative, working-class background without any race-swapping, gender changes, or forced diversity. There are no prominent LGBTQ+ representations, social justice lectures, critiques of systemic issues, or identity politics driving the narrative; even minor gender-related moments, such as Missy's puberty or baseball interests, feel incidental and non-preachy. No creator statements emphasize activism, and audience reception shows no significant backlash labeling it 'woke'—instead, the season is praised for its humor, heart, and avoidance of heavy-handed messaging, allowing pure entertainment value to shine through.