'Clean Slate' centers its story around identity themes, notably featuring a trans character played by Laverne Cox, often framing personal journeys through the lens of ideological representation. Character arcs seem more about servicing social commentary than organic growth, and casting choices appear primarily motivated by identity factors rather than story needs. This show wears its messaging front and center, occasionally overshadowing character nuance or traditional narrative priorities.

The show appears to re-examine family and gender from a thoroughly modern perspective. Traditional fatherhood and masculinity are challenged and redefined, with legacy values largely played for conflict or comic effect. Long-standing cultural assumptions, especially around gender and family, are upended for more progressive alternatives, often without offering much respect for the past.

Alternative viewpoints are mostly limited to archetypes or used as setups for the show's central message. There is little space given to nuanced or sympathetic portrayals of more non-woke positions. The atmosphere feels ideologically airtight, where challenging the central narrative happens only to reinforce its point.