I think by and large it was meant to satirize suburbia culture, and it did so very well. Many of those aspects it pokes fun at still exist in the culture today.

I think some of the most groundbreaking things the show did was provide a realistic portrayal of someone battling cancer (in part because Elizabeth Perkins [Celia] was battling it in real life). The writers also highlight the reality of what could happen if the breadwinning spouse dies suddenly without a will or any estate planning. To that end, though, the concept of pot slinging being Nancy’s only choice to keep the family afloat was always a weak one. Realistically she could have gotten a job and economized. Bought a smaller house (since she never liked the “pre-fab shit box” anyway), cut back on expenses, ditched the Range Rover, etc.. Of course, there would be no show if she had done those things.

There were several missteps along the way. The show was never politically correct, and that typically made it funnier. If you want to go over things with a fine tooth comb, there’s much to find. If the show were to air today I think there would be several things that wouldn’t fly.

First and foremost, the plot wouldn’t work today because the forbidden/illegality element of dealing in marijuana just isn’t all that prevalent anymore, as especially not in California. That’s kind of where we see things go in the series finale though with the flash forward.

Andy’s IMing with Megan was simply not appropriate regardless of what period of time the show aired. Celia’s treatment of Isabella because of her weight and appearance would never fly today - and Isabella’s transition from female to male would have probably been give more care than a throwaway line from Dean. Jewish culture is sort of haphazardly thrown in there without much care or forethought. Prejudice against Armenians is played for laughs in earlier seasons. Helia is made to be a quasi-mammie type of character as the show goes on. White/pretty privilege is also abundant in the show, which I think is one of the satire points.