"Joan" foregrounds identity themes, giving substantial narrative weight to modern social issues and diverse representation. Some viewers may interpret this as characters being selected or shaped to fit contemporary ideological messaging rather than organic storytelling. This can at times overshadow character depth or the core plot, leaning toward a ‘message-first’ approach over traditional narrative focus.

The show frequently reframes family dynamics and questions traditional morality through a modern lens. Masculinity and established cultural norms are often either gently undermined or outright subverted, while alternative family structures and progressive moral ideals are uplifted. This reinterpretation of norms could be seen as replacing traditional pillars with updated values.

Dissenting views or non-progressive perspectives are rarely depicted authentically. Traditional roles and beliefs occasionally appear as out-of-touch or antagonistic, while the story generally sticks to a fairly uniform ideological viewpoint. Characters and plotlines reinforce modern moral consensus with little genuine debate or pluralism.