First of all, James Burrows directed EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. Yes, you read that right. He's a comedic genius with a long history and resume to prove it. I've seen every episode of this show numerous times. I am a Gay Man and am not at ALL offended by the content or the representation of the characters. It's a fictional comedy so get a life if offended. Seriously though the timing, the acting, the physicality and the pacing of the four main characters is SUBLIME. I have sung with Meghan Mullally and she is surprisingly shy in real life until she gets to know you. Once on stage and or in front of a camera she literally transforms into the multi talented person she is and she fires with all cylinders. She can SING and move and draw you in. She won 2 Emmys for this show and it is proof she's a PROFESSIONAL. Sean Hayes is MULTI talented as a classical pianist, Tony Nominated Actor and singer as well. Again, AMAZING physicality and range in this show. People think he's one note or annoying but they may not be paying attention to his subtle nuances and HUGE range of lightning fast reactions. Debra Messing? I mean COME ON. Closest to Lucille Ball. Amazing DRAMATIC actress as well however, in this show she is at the top of her game because anyone who knows acting, comedy is the more difficult Genre to pull off successfully. Her physicality and vocal range is probably the most varied of the entire cast. Last but not least, Will McCormick as a straight man playing a gay character is S. M. O. O. T. H. I love his representation because Gays come in all shapes, sizes and personalities and he's such a terrific opposite to Sean Hayes and the balance is refreshing. John Barrowman was in the running to play Will and interestingly enough he is gay in real life. However, I personally believe that Eric playing Will was an incredible move by the Executive team at NBC. He was the more conservative of the two and many viewers who weren't comfortable with over the top effeminate Jack could TOLERATE Will and I believe this did an unbelievable job of creating acceptance from many viewers in all parts of the country/world who may not have had any exposure to Gays at all and might have been uncomfortable with Jacks over the top more stereotypical performance. BRILLIANT.
Lastly but never least, THE WRITING is spectacular! Hysterical, relevant, and lightning fast. The only other comedy to come close in my humble opinion was another NBC show, FRASIER. Take all of this glorious comedy in. You won't regret it.