Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman features significant LGBTQ+ representation through Charlie Haggers' journey of self-discovery and his relationship with Sergeant Dennis Foley. For its 1970s context, the show's portrayal is notably complex and non-condemnatory, depicting characters with dignity and agency. While often tragic, the narrative frames struggles as external or internal conflicts, rather than inherent flaws of queer identity, contributing to a net positive impact.

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman featured a prominent storyline involving Charlie Haggers' transsexual identity and desire to transition. The show explored the resulting marital and societal challenges through its signature satirical lens, often critiquing societal reactions. The portrayal was complex, neither explicitly affirming nor overtly denigrating trans identity, reflecting a neutral exploration for its time.

The show consistently satirizes the hypocrisy, superficiality, and often absurd manifestations of Christianity among its characters and institutions. The narrative frequently exposes the disconnect between professed faith and actual behavior, portraying religious adherence as often performative, misguided, or a source of delusion within the show's cynical view of suburban life.