'Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten' started in 1992 and, for its early decades, followed the typical soap format, character-driven plots with a focus on relationships. While recent years incorporated more identity-focused subplots, these story elements do not consistently override the personal drama or character arcs, though there is a noticeable increase in representation aligning with modern trends.

The show occasionally explores alternative family structures, touches on progressive themes like LGBTQ+ issues, and modernizes portrayals of gender roles. Still, it often centers on traditional family, romance, and friendship as core pillars, so the balance doesn’t tip fully away from cultural foundations, but the influence is clear.

In recent years, 'GZSZ' leans into progressive perspectives, presenting these as the default worldview. Traditional viewpoints are less common and sometimes shown through outdated or unsympathetic characters, hinting at some ideological uniformity, though outright villainization is still rare.