I didn't watch many of its origianl braodcasts, but I watch it alot in reruns. It's kind of like the moth to the flame.

With the exception of Debra, the main characters are an exercise in huge insecutiry. Frank leads the way. Remember the house painting episode: "Because I'm right"? Remember Marie changing the oregano label to keep Debra's cooking from rivaling her own?: "Would you come over as much if I didn't cook for you?"
And a New York policeman who's always worried about people having conversations about him and is intimidated by his mother. Raymond's the worst. He's not a husband or father; he's simply there. "After playing with the kids for 5 minutes I get bored. I want to watch sports." He contributes nothing to the household except a presence. His wife and kids are simply an accoutrement to him. And his halting, staccato speech pattern is beyond irritating. I watch it because I like Debra who is the only sane one among them; she's actually the glue that holds th efamily together - a typical mother.