John from Cincinnati, released in 2007, appears far more focused on enigmatic storytelling and quirky, surreal characters than on representation for its own sake. There is little evidence of forced identity politics or one-dimensional 'message characters.' Instead, characters are flawed and complex, serving the mysterious plot rather than ideology.

Traditional themes like family, faith, and redemption are at the heart of the show, albeit in unconventional ways. While the show is odd, it doesn't mock masculinity, religion, or traditional values, if anything, it mines them for depth and existential questions.

While unusual, the show doesn't promote or preach a modern ideological monoculture. Characters have differing worldviews and are allowed internal debate and moral struggle, much more focused on the bizarre mysteries than woke groupthink.