Upload generally puts its tech satire and romance front and center, but it’s easy to spot places where identity politics nudge their way in. Characters are often defined by traits like race or sexuality, which sometimes overshadow deeper personality development. The show’s attempts at representation can feel box-ticking at times, but it doesn’t fully sacrifice narrative for ideology.

Family, traditional romance, and faith take a back seat in favor of radical individualism and a sanitized, digital afterlife. Masculinity often comes off as outdated or comedic, and the overall tone gives little attention or respect to traditional values. It’s not the most aggressive subversion on TV, but it’s definitely skewed toward modern, secular sensibilities.

The show’s worldview is clearly tilted toward progressive values, and traditional perspectives are mostly lampooned or just ignored. Anyone with pre-2010s attitudes is shown as tragically out of touch, and there’s little real debate between opposed viewpoints. Satire aside, there’s little room for viewers seeking authentic cultural pluralism here.