grown-ish

The show centers a visibly diverse friend group with biracial Zoey as lead, explicitly activist black student Aaron, prominent bisexual Jewish character Nomi, Latina roommate Ana, Indian American Vivek, and black twins Jazz and Sky. These identities are audience-visible and recurring.

Episodes feature direct talks about police brutality, white fragility, BLM protests, campus activism, and cultural appropriation. Aaron pushes causes openly. Later Junior seasons have lighter social topics.

The series explores race, sexuality through Nomi's arcs, cultural belonging, and identity in college. These mix with standard party and relationship stories.

Season 4 episodes critique police responses and institutional handling of racial violence. Touches on university investments and social media activism framed through activist views.

Scattered social media and Reddit posts call the show or characters too woke, mock the activist boyfriend Aaron, and complain about preachy moments. No widespread media firestorm or boycott.

Kenya Barris has a documented pattern of addressing race and social issues progressively. Yara Shahidi is a public activist. Several writers and directors have worked on socially conscious or diverse projects. Larry Wilmore contributed political comedy.