"grown-ish" consistently highlights characters' identities in race, sexuality, and gender above their unique stories or skills. Plotlines often revolve around social issues with messaging that can feel shoehorned, at times overshadowing authentic character depth. The show leans heavily on representation, sometimes at the expense of organic plot development.

The show frequently portrays traditional values, family units, and masculinity as outdated, with more progressive ideals taking center stage. Many male characters are depicted as flawed or misguided, while female or LGBTQ+ characters are positioned as enlightened problem-solvers in the narrative, which can feel heavy-handed.

Alternative or traditional perspectives are generally presented as naive or villainous, if at all. The story world is pretty much an echo chamber for modern social views, with little space given to genuine debate, pluralism, or non-mainstream viewpoints.