According to Jim

Judging from some others' comments, it's apparent that some just don't "get" the show. Jim is not supposed to be our role model -- neither was Archie Bunker, nor is Ray Romano. But they are real people, despite the jerks they often are, and they add a gentler perspective of the types of guys we'd usually simply dismiss as complete asses. This show pokes fun at guys like Jim, and it does it very well. (Belushi obviously puts a lot of his self into his role). This is good comedy, (unlike SO MANY others that simply fish for laughs every thirty seconds, and provide their own laugh tracks, in case we don't know the 30 seconds has come around again).

I really didn't like any of the characters' first impressions; in one way or another, they all reminded me of someone I disliked. But now that I've gotten to know them, they've all "grown on me". I really hope other folks are giving this show the chance it deserves.