I did not see this show when it originally ran on tv. I watched it in syndication. I should start by saying, I did not EVER watch Seinfeld. So I did not know Julia from that show. This show is one of my favorite shows of all time. It has everything... great cast! Besides Julia who is so funny, it has Clark Gregg (who I know from the Avengers)...he is hilarious. Hamish Linklater is the greatest brother of all time...as Matthew he truly steals every scene that he is in. And Wanda Sykes, my favorite comedian of all time. I originally watched this show because of her. She is (in my opinion) the best part of this show....incredible!! Oh and those awful moms on the show...not my favorites, but they serve a purpose.
I should just mention the boy Ritchie....he is usually just an afterthought. Emily Rutherfurd as New Christine is perfection...sweet and innocent, until she isn't!! This show has everything. I just bought every digital season, so I can watch this show at the click of a finger, and I watch it over and over. It is a great show!