In our view, "Standing Up" places heavy emphasis on identity themes, race, gender, and sexuality, occasionally at the expense of more organic character and story development. The main cast is assembled with clear attention to diverse backgrounds, and these traits seem central to their narrative purpose. While occasionally entertaining, it sometimes feels like the show underscores its social message more than building authentic character arcs.

The series frequently critiques traditional institutions and norms, family, religion, and masculinity, in a way that could be seen as dismissive or one-sided. Older or more traditional figures are rarely shown in a positive light, while progressive values are repeatedly placed front and center without much nuance.

Alternative perspectives (those outside the current progressive narrative) seem absent or reduced to caricature. The show promotes a fairly uniform worldview, with little sincere debate or exploration of dissenting values. Traditional opinions sometimes become the butt of jokes rather than the basis for real dialogue.