In the recent trend of lazily-conceived, absurd reality shows it’s refreshing to a show that doesn’t fit a clichéd formula and challenges the audience’s intellect with hilarious results.This is the funniest show currently on television. All you need to enjoy this show is an appreciation for high-quality acting and incredibly hilarious writing. Michael Bluth is perfect as the under-appreciated do-good guy who’s just trying to keep his family together and himself sane. Other highlights of the show include GOB (George Oscar Bluth II), Michael’s lame-excuse-for-a-magician brother; George Sr., Michael’s incarcerated father (he was jailed for “shifty accounting practices”); and George Michael Bluth, Michael Bluth’s perpetually nervous 13-year-old son (who just happens to have a strange infatuation with his cousin, Maebe).

It’s a sit-com made with very high standards, it’s a career revival for Ron Howard who as the narrator has done an awesome job. The writing is as good as everyone says it is, the cast is on par with that of Seinfeld,Whenever new characters appear, they are inevitably played by people familiar to fans of edgy, intelligent humor. People like Jeffrey Tambor and Jason Bateman are dependably good, Michael Cera is a standout, and David Cross is finally being seen for the talent that he is.

There are many bit and pieces lingering in the background that you might miss. when George Michael is dumped by his girlfriend and he trudgees home in a state of misery, you could hear sad Charlie Brown music. In the background, you could see a real - but bright red - dog house, with a real dog lying on top of it.

This comedy is smart where so many others are not. its one of the few shows on today that you find DO NOT have a laugh track which alone makes it unique, but with the excellent writing and acting make it a refreshing and hilarious change.

Bottom line, It could give Frasier, Friends and Seinfeld a run for their money any day.