The show features Jeremiah Fisher, a main character, who is openly bisexual. His identity is portrayed with dignity and complexity, normalized within the narrative, and accepted by his peers and family. The depiction is affirming, presenting his relationships with both genders respectfully and without negative stereotypes or conflict.

The show adapts characters from the book series where Belly, Steven, and Laurel were depicted as white. In the adaptation, these key characters are portrayed by Asian-American actors, constituting race swaps.

Belly Conklin's coming-of-age summers at Cousins Beach depict a complex family landscape, normalizing divorce and exploring evolving teenage relationships within two intertwined households rather than endorsing traditional family structures or values.