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{{short description|American comedy television series}}
{{Infobox Television
{{More citations needed|date=June 2019}}
| show_name = According to Jim
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
| image = ]
{{Infobox television
| caption = According to Jim cast.
| format = ] | image = According to Jim intertitle.jpg
| camera = | genre = ]
| picture_format = | creator = {{Plainlist|
* ]
| runtime = 30 minutes <br> (including commercials)
| creator = ]<br />] * ]
}}
| developer =
| developer =
| executive_producer =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = ]<br />]<br />] <br /> ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] (2004-)
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Taylor Atelian
* Billi Bruno
* Conner Rayburn
}}
| narrated = | narrated =
| opentheme = | opentheme = “Jimmie’s Theme” by Jim Belushi
| endtheme = | endtheme =
| country = ] | country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 8
| num_episodes = 182
| list_episodes = List of According to Jim episodes
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Tracy Newman
* Jonathan Stark
* Suzanne Bukinik
* Marc Gurvitz
* Jim Belushi
* John D. Beck
* Ron Hart
* David Feeney
* Warren Bell
* Bob Nickman
* Howard J. Morris
* Nastaran Dibai
* Jeffrey B. Hodes
* ]
* Judd Pillot
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* Robert Heath
* Harry Hannigan
* Christopher J. Nowak
}}
| camera = ]
| runtime = 22 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
* Newman-Stark Productions
* Suzanne Bukinik Entertainment
* ]
* ]{{efn|Credited as ] for (seasons 1–6)}}
}}
| network = ] | network = ]
| first_aired = ], ] | first_aired = {{Start date|2001|10|3}}
| last_aired = present | last_aired = {{End date|2009|6|2}}
| num_episodes = 127
| website = http://abc.go.com/primetime/accordingtojim/
| imdb_id = 0285351
| tv_com_id = 3449
}} }}
'''According to Jim''' is an American ] television series broadcast by ]. The show premiered with little publicity in October, 2001, following the surprise hit comedy '']''. The show quickly developed an audience of its own and for its second season ABC placed it on its revitalized Tuesday line-up, which also included John Ritter's '']'', Bonnie Hunt's '']'' and '']''. Week by week, the show attracted more and more viewers, becoming ABC's second most watched sitcom. The show performed so well that the network made a risky move: putting ''Jim'' opposite the ] juggernaut '']''. Although ''Jim'' did not beat the competition, it performed well enough to secure itself that spot on the ] fall schedule. Despite its success and keeping a steady core audience, the show was universally panned by critics as an example of a tired ]. Ratings have fallen, however ABC has renewed According to Jim for its sixth season on its midseason line-up for 2006-2007 season.


'''''According to Jim''''' is an American sitcom television series starring ] in the title role as a suburban father of three children (and then five children, starting with the seventh season finale). It originally ran on ] from October 3, 2001, to June 2, 2009.
Jim is a regular suburban father. He's married to a gorgeous woman, Cheryl, and raises his three kids – Gracie, Ruby and the newborn Kyle – in a big house. Everything is perfect for Jim, if it wasn't for the messy situations he gets himself into and his laziness, which often makes him search for alternative ways of doing things with less effort. Of course, having his wife's siblings hanging out at his house all the time is no help. While Andy might be one of his best friends, Dana often teams up with Cheryl against Jim.


==Cast== == Synopsis ==
]
* ] (Jim)
* ] (Cheryl)
* ] (Dana)
* ] (Andy)
* ] (Ruby)
* ] (Gracie)
* ] (Kyle) (Season 4+)
* ] (Ryan) (Dana's husband)


Jim is a happy-go-lucky ]an father. Much like his real-life counterpart, Jim's character is a fan of ] music, as well as the ], ], ] and ]. Together with his wife Cheryl, they have three children, daughters Ruby and Gracie and son Kyle. In the seventh season they become parents of twin boys Gordon and Jonathan.
==List of According to Jim episodes==
===Season 1: 2001-2002===
# Pilot
# No Nookie
# The Cat Came Back
# Anniversary
# Unruly Spirits
# Cheryl's Old Flame (Part 1)
# Chery'ls Old Flame (Part 2)
# The Turkey Bowl
# Andy's Girlfriend
# An According to Jiminy Christmas
# The Bad Word
# Model Behavior
# The Money
# Blow-Up
# Racquetball
# Under Pressure
# Date Night
# Birthday Boys
# The Receipt
# Old Friends
# Cheryl's Day Off
# No Surprises


Jim often finds himself in difficult situations, because his ] sensibilities cause him to search for alternative ways to get things done with less effort. Jim is very cheap, selfish, rude and arrogant. While Cheryl's brother Andy is Jim's best friend/brother-in-law and her sister Dana frequently teams up with Cheryl against Jim. He also prefers to lie to Cheryl and Dana to do his own activities but they end up backfiring on him. He hates losing to women, especially if Cheryl or Dana find out. He doesn't like people interrupting him when he talks, so he speaks over them to shut them up. Jim often makes an example of Andy, who for most of the series does not have a steady girlfriend. Dana and Jim argue constantly, but Dana flirts with Jim when she's ], discovering after one such event that she respects Jim as a loving father despite his flaws.
===Season 2: 2002-2003===
# The Importance of Being Jim
# Cars and Chicks
# The Baby Monitor
# The Pizza Boy
# The Closet
# Punch & Ruby
# The Bachelor
# Father Disfigure
# Thanksgiving Confidential
# The Christmas Party
# The Brother-in-Law
# Moral Dilemma
# You Gotta Love Somebody (Part 1)
# You Gotta Love Somebody (Part 2)
# The Smell of Success
# Slumber Party
# The Ring
# Wonder Woman
# The Pass
# Dana Gets Fired
# Bo Diddley
# Deal with the Devlins
# The Helmet
# No Harm No Fowl
# About a Girl
# Mom's Boyfriend
# Vegas, Baby (Part 1)
# Vegas, Baby (Part 2)


== Episodes ==
===Season 3: 2003-2004===
{{main|List of According to Jim episodes}}
# The Errand
{{:List of According to Jim episodes}}
# The Packer Ball
# We Have a Bingo
# Getting to Know You
# The Lemonade Stand
# ABC's and 123's
# Dana Dates Jim
# Scary Movie
# The Imaginary Friend
# Paintball
# The Empty Gesture
# Rules of Engagement
# Secret Santa
# House for Sale
# Dana Dates the Reverend
# The Best Man
# Cheryl Sings
# When You Wish to Be a Star (Part 1)
# When You Wish to Be a Star (Part 2)
# No Crime, But Punishment
# The Baby
# Who's The Boss?
# The Truck
# The Toilet
# Trashed
# The Marriage Bank
# Everyone Gets Dumped
# The Vast Difference (Part 1)
# The Vast Difference (Part 2)


== Cast and characters ==
===Season 4: 2004-2005===
=== Main and recurring cast ===
# A Hole in One
] as James "Jim"]]
# The Effort
]<br>as Cheryl]]
# The Grill
] as Dana]]
# The Garage Door
] as Andrew "Andy"]]
# Dress to Kill Me
<!-- Note: episode counts are against guidelines set at WP:TVCAST -->
# Father-Daughter Dance
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
# Plot Twist
|-
# The Hunters
! rowspan="2" | Actor
# Poking The Bear
! rowspan="2" | Character
# Stalking Santa
! colspan="8" | Seasons
# Sympathy From the Devlins
|-
# Nanny-Cam
! style="width:9%;" | 1
# The Jealous Husband
! style="width:9%;" | 2
# A Crying Shame
! style="width:9%;" | 3
# Guess Who's Cooking Your Dinner?
! style="width:9%;" | 4
# The Wedding Dress
! style="width:9%;" | 5
# The Mustache
! style="width:9%;" | 6
# Shall We Dance
! style="width:9%;" | 7
# Take My Wife, Please
! style="width:9%;" | 8
# Spelling Bee
|-
# Kentucky Fried Beltzman
| ]
# The Clock
| James "Jim"
# The Competition
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
# The Bachelorette Party
|-
# Geronimo Jim
| ]
# The Scrapbook
| Cheryl
# Wedding Bell Blues
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
|-
| ]
| Dana
| colspan="7" {{CMain}}
| colspan="1" {{CGuest|Special Guest}}{{efn|name=Williams-Paisley|Williams-Paisley makes her only season eight appearance and is credited as special guest in its finale.}}
|-
| ]
| Andrew "Andy"
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
|-
| Taylor Atelian
| Ruby
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
|-
| Billi Bruno
| Gracie
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
|-
| Conner Rayburn
| Kyle
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| colspan="5" {{CMain}}{{efn|name=Rayburn|In the fourth season, Rayburn is initially credited as co-star in the closing credits before being promoted to the main cast in the seventh episode.}}
|-
| ]
| Ryan Gibson
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| colspan="3" {{CRecurring}}{{efn|name=Rouse|Rouse is only credited as guest star in episodes he appears in.}}
| colspan="1" {{CNone}}
| colspan="1" {{CGuest}}{{efn|Rouse makes his only season eight appearance and is credited as guest star in its finale.}}
|-
|}


* ] as James "Jim" (seasons 1–8): the titular role of the series. Jim is a suburban family man, successful construction business owner (Ground Up Design),<ref>{{Cite web|title=According to Jim|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/according-to-jim/|website=tvseriesfinale.com|date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2022}}</ref> and blues garage band frontman. In his stubborn ways, Jim gets himself into various predicaments, which compel him to solve in creative ways, all while battling his own conscience. Despite his best efforts, Jim ultimately admits his wrong-doings to Cheryl and others involved. Shenanigans aside, Jim is happily married to his loving wife, Cheryl. Jim and Cheryl's three children (Ruby, Gracie and Kyle) complement the family dynamic through the series' run. At the end of season 7, Cheryl gives birth to identical twin sons, Johnathan and Gordon. Jim is an avid Chicago sports enthusiast. In numerous episodes, Jim is seen watching ] football games in his living room. In season 4's "]" episode, Jim shows his disdain for other football teams when his potential client takes him to a ] game. He enjoys playing ] and fronting his garage band. In various episodes, he and his band practice in the garage, except when Cheryl takes over the garage with a yoga class in season 2's "]" episode, forcing Jim and the band to practice in the attic.
===Season 5: 2005-2006===
* ] as Cheryl (seasons 1–8): Jim's wife, as well as Dana and Andy's older sister. Last names were never revealed for Jim and Cheryl, only middle names, (Orenthal and Mable).
# Foul Ball
* ] as Dana Gibson (seasons 1–7; special guest season 8): Cheryl's younger sister. Dana is a vice president for a marketing company and prides herself at being good at her job. She often sides with her sister, Cheryl, during family quarrels.
# The Tale of the Tape (Part 1)
* ] as Andrew "Andy" (seasons 1–8): Cheryl's younger brother. Andy is a Stanford University graduate and works for Jim as an architect at their construction company, Ground Up Design. He often sides with Jim during family squabbles. He is a sci-fi enthusiast who collects video games, ] guns, ] movies, board games, and comic books (as seen in season 6's "]"). Andy considers himself to be a "ladies’ man", but his pick-up lines don't bring many long-term relationships.
# The Tale of the Tape (Part 2)
* Taylor Atelian as Ruby (seasons 1–8): Jim and Cheryl's first child. Like her mother, Cheryl, Ruby is a leader amongst her siblings.
# Charity Begins at Hef's
* Billi Bruno as Gracie (seasons 1–8): Jim and Cheryl's second child. Gracie often sides with Ruby during sibling rivalries against Kyle.
# The Race
* Conner Rayburn as Kyle (seasons 4–8): Jim and Cheryl's third child. Kyle is not particularly interested in sports and finds it difficult to connect with his father on the topic.
# Anec-Dont's
* ] as Dr. Ryan "Doc" Gibson (recurring seasons 4–6; guest season 8): Cheryl's doctor in season 4's "Poking the Bear" episode. Ryan later becomes Dana's boyfriend, the two eventually marry, and have a child together.
# Chick Whisperer
# James & the Annoying Peach
# The Dream
# Lean on me
# The Gift of Maggie
# Sex Ed Fred
# Renewing Vows
# The Stick
# Mr. Right
# Get Your Freak On
# The Grumpy Guy
# Polite Jim
# Daddy Dearest
# The Thin Green Line
# Jim's Best Friend
# Belaboring the Point


=== Other appearances ===
===Season 6: 2006-2007===
{{Div col|colwidth=45em}}
# The Flannel Sexual
* ] as Tony (seasons 1–8): A member of Jim's band
# The Punch
* Connor and Garret Sullivan as baby Kyle (seasons 1–3)
# Coach Jim
* John Rubano as John (seasons 1–8): A member of Jim's band
# All The Rage
* Charlie Hartsock as Charlie (seasons 3–8): A member of Jim's band
# Hoosier Daddy
* ] as Pizza boy / adult Kyle / Various (seasons 1–6, 8)
* Mark Beltzman as Beltzman (seasons 3–4, 6): A member of Jim's band
* Christopher Moniyhan as Chris (seasons 1–2): A member of Jim's band
* Jamison Belushi as Various (seasons 5–8)
* ] as Danny Michalski (seasons 1–3, 8): Jim's long-time friend and police officer
* ] as Maggie (seasons 1–2, 4–5): Cheryl, Dana and Andy's mother
* Jackie Debatin as Mandy (season 8): Ruby's piano teacher. Later, Andy's girlfriend.
* ] as Cindy Devlin (seasons 2–4, 6): Cheryl's obnoxious soccer-mom friend
* ] as Tim Devlin (seasons 2–4, 6): Cindy's husband
* ] as Emily (seasons 7–8): Andy's girlfriend
* ] as Reverend Pierson (seasons 2–3)
* ] as Eddie (season 2): Dana's boyfriend and Andy's replacement on keyboards for a gig. He also portrays Chad (season 2) in the episodes "You Gotta Love Somebody (Parts 1 & 2)".
* ] as Officer Laraine Elkin (seasons 2–3): Danny's police officer partner
* ] as Roxanne (seasons 2–3): Jim's estranged sister
* ] as Himself (season 5). He also portrays the Devil (season 8) in the episode "]".
* ] as God (seasons 7–8)
* ] as Alicia (season 1): Ruby's piano teacher and Andy's girlfriend
* ] as Himself (season 1)
* ] as Gretchen Saunders (season 2): A seductive female manager at a car dealership in "]"
* ] as Himself (season 2)
* ] as Herself (season 2)
* ] as Himself (season 2)
* ] as Sean Curran (season 2)
* ] as Himself (season 2)
* ] as Janice (season 3): Jim and Cheryl's neighbor
* ] as Himself (season 3)
* ] as the voice of Royal Flush (season 3): A stainless steel talking toilet
* ] as the voice of Angry Pete (season 4): A psychotic turkey in "]"
* ] as Max (season 4): A Green Bay Packers fan and Jim's potential client
* ] as Himself (season 5)
* ] as Melissa Evans (season 5): Jim's former girlfriend
* ] as Ben (season 5)
* ] as Herself (season 5)
* ] as Dennis (season 6)
* ] as Himself (season 6)
* ] as Kurt (season 6)
* ] as Himself (season 7)
* ] as Himself (season 7)
* ] as Himself (season 8)
* ] as Director (season 8)
* ] as Victoria (season 8): Jim's former girlfriend
* ] as The Devil (season 7){{Div col end}}


== Production ==
==According to Jim in other countries and languages==
=== Development ===
* ]: ''According to Jim'' ] and ]
''According to Jim'' was created by ] and ]. The sitcom was produced by ]'s in-house production company and Newman/Stark, Suzanne Bukinik Entertainment and Brad Grey Television. Filming occurred at the ] in Los Angeles. It was originally announced in May 2001 under the title ''The Dad'',<ref>''Scripps Howard News Service'', May 2001 </ref> with the pilot being shot sometime in mid-2001.<ref>https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/FALL-TV-PREVIEW-Rating-the-new-shows-John-2879261.php</ref><ref name="eonline"/> In July 2001, the show's title was changed from ''The Dad'' to ''According to Jim''.<ref name="eonline">'']'', July 2001 </ref>
* ]: ''Jim hat immer Recht!'' (Jim's always right!) ] 1
* ]: ''O Jim é assim'' (Jim is like that) (]) and ''According to Jim'' (])
* ] - ]
* ]: ''Svijet prema Jimu'' (The world according to Jim) ]
* ]: ''Perheen kalleudet (Family Jewels)'' (], since 2006)
* ] / (''German-speaking'') ]: ''Immer wieder Jim (Jim Again and Again)'' (], since 2006)
* ] / (''Italian-speaking'') ] : ''La vita secondo Jim'' (''Life according to Jim'') (] & ])
* ]: ''According to Jim'' ]
* ]: ''According to Jim'' (])
* ]: ''According to Jim'' (Viasat TV3)
* ]: ''El mundo según Jim (The world according to Jim)'' (])
* ]: ''Jims Värld (Jim's World)'' (Viasat TV3)
* ]: ''According to Jim'' (])
* ]: ''According to Jim'' (])
* United States : ABC, ] starting Fall 2009
* ]: ]
*]: ] and ] channels called Paramount Comedy Channel and Paramount Comedy Channel +2 (Subtitled)


Belushi, besides playing Jim, directed 30 episodes and is credited as executive producer.
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
*
* {{imdb title|id=0285351|title=According to Jim}}
* {{tvtome show|id=3449|title=According to Jim}}


Belushi's fictional character Jim's band in the series is the real-life ] band The Sacred Hearts, for which Jim Belushi often sings lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimbelushi.ws/the-sacred-hearts-band/|title=The Sacred Hearts|access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028035113/http://www.jimbelushi.ws/the-sacred-hearts-band/|url-status=live}}</ref>
]

]
==== Influences ====
]
Belushi says he set the show's trademark tone back in the show's 2001 pilot.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/according-jim-wraps-its-run/mq6E1E1KBKkooK8mCnkS6J/|title=According to Jim wraps his run|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033736/https://www.ajc.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/according-jim-wraps-its-run/mq6E1E1KBKkooK8mCnkS6J/|url-status=live}}</ref>
]

]
"The original script called for Jim to go to the wife and apologize," he recalls. "I said to the writers, 'Why do we have to do a show where the guy is going to apologize at the end of every episode? Was he really wrong? He's contrite, sure. But isn't he just being a man?'"
]

]
In an interview, Jim Belushi explained that the show many times directly reflected his actual life. Quite a few episodes were experiences taken directly from Belushi's home. Most of the episodes were taken from experiences inside the writers' homes, too. He adds:<ref name="fame10.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.fame10.com/entertainment/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-according-to-jim/|title=7 things you didnt know about According to Jim|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033706/https://www.fame10.com/entertainment/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-according-to-jim/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{quote|"Every show is based in somebody's reality. Whether it's Larry's, or mine, or Courtney's, or the writers'. Because it was a relationship show about a family, everyone would bring in their experiences as a family, and we would do shows around them."}}

==== Family names ====
] were never really addressed for the entire run of the show. None of the main characters did get a last name until Season 4 when ]'s character Dana married Dr. Ryan Gibson (played by ]). She became Dana Gibson with their marriage. Only guest characters had first and last names in most cases.<ref name="fame10.com"/>

=== Music ===
The ''According to Jim'' ] was recorded at Ultratone Studies in ], ] and released by ] on November 1, 2005.<ref name="Discogs">{{Cite web|title=According To Jim Soundtrack-Discogs|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/13023125-Jim-Belushi-The-Sacred-Hearts-According-To-Jim-Soundtrack|website=discogs.com|access-date=January 4, 2022}}</ref><ref name="AllMusic">{{Cite web|title=According to Jim Soundtrack|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/according-to-jim-mw0000182314?1641252878067|website=allmusic.com|access-date=January 3, 2022}}</ref>

==== Track listing ====
All songs are performed by Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts.<ref name="Discogs" /><ref name="AllMusic" />
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Original artist (date)
| title1 = ]
| writer1 = ]
| extra1 = Robert Johnson <small>(1936)</small>
| length1 = 3:28
| title2 = Cadillac Man
| writer2 = ], Glen Clark
| length2 = 2:36
| title3 = Say I Do
| writer3 = Belushi, Clark, Jana Hunter, Mitch Hunter
| length3 = 2:55
| title4 = ]
| writer4 = ]
| extra4 = Richard Berry <small>(1959)</small>
| length4 = 3:26
| title5 = ]
| writer5 = ]
| extra5 = ] <small>(1963)</small>
| length5 = 4:07
| title6 = Jimmie's Theme
| writer6 = Belushi, Clark
| length6 = 3:42
| title7 = Angel
| writer7 = Belushi, Clark
| length7 = 3:11
| title8 = Mellow Down Easy
| writer8 = Willie Dixon
| extra8 = ] <small>(1954)</small>
| length8 = 3:12
| title9 = ]
| writer9 = Ronald Killette, Wayne Pittman
| extra9 = ] <small>(1968)</small>
| length9 = 3:21
| title10 = I've Got Everything I Need (Almost)
| writer10 = Don Walsh
| extra10 = ] <small>(1973)</small>
| length10 = 2:44
| title11 = Bless My Soul
| writer11 = Belushi, Clark
| length11 = 2:44
| title12 = Mambo Miami
| writer12 = Belushi, Clark
| length12 = 3:40
| title13 = ]
| writer13 = ], ]
| extra13 = ] <small>(1964)</small>
| length13 = 3:53
| title14 = ]
| writer14 = Theodore McRae, ]
| extra14 = Wynonie Harris <small>(1949)</small>
| length14 = 2:44
| total_length = 45:43
}}

== Release ==
=== Broadcast ===
The show first aired following the surprise hit comedy '']'' and quickly developed an audience of its own. For its second season ABC placed it on its revitalized Tuesday line-up, which also included John Ritter's '']'', Bonnie Hunt's '']'' and Sara Rue's '']''. Week by week, the show attracted more and more viewers, becoming ABC's second most watched sitcom. The show performed so well that the network made a risky move: putting ''Jim'' opposite the ] juggernaut '']''. Although ''Jim'' did not beat the competition, it performed well enough to secure itself that spot on the 2003 fall schedule.

On May 15, 2007, ABC announced that ''According to Jim'' would not be renewed for another season. ABC Entertainment President ] said, "We are talking to the studio to see if there's something financially, a deal that would make sense for us."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tvseriesfinale.com/2007/05/2007_cancelled_shows_abc_cuts_some_beloved_series.php|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20070517044954/http://www.tvseriesfinale.com/2007/05/2007_cancelled_shows_abc_cuts_some_beloved_series.php|url-status=dead|title=TV Series Finale - 2007 Cancelled Shows: ABC Cuts Some Beloved Series|archive-date=May 17, 2007|access-date=May 15, 2007}}</ref> But on June 27, 2007, ABC renewed the show for a seventh season with 18 episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/06/abc_renews_according_to_jim.php |title=ABC Renews 'According to Jim' |publisher=TVWeek |date=2007-06-27 |access-date=2015-10-02 |archive-date=September 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928220505/http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/06/abc_renews_according_to_jim.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

''According to Jim'' returned to ABC's schedule on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, with two episodes at 9&nbsp;pm and 9:30&nbsp;pm. After that, the series moved to its regular time slot at 8&nbsp;pm. Despite the writer's strike, ABC announced that the show would produce all 18 episodes ordered for this season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7559|title=Breaking News - 'Jim' to Finish Out Season for Abc - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>

On February 27, 2008, it was reported that ABC was close to renewing ''According to Jim'' for an eighth season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ausiello on Heroes, "Bubble Show" Mystery, Lost and More!|url=http://www.tvguide.com/Ask-Ausiello/080227 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603220215/http://www.tvguide.com/Ask-Ausiello/080227 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 3, 2008|date=October 21, 2012|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> On May 13, 2008, ABC officially renewed the series and Season 8 began airing on December 2, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20080513abc01|title=Breaking News - ABC Unveils 2008-09 Primetime Schedule - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> ] left the show's regular cast at the beginning of Season 8 and was not in the Season 8 opening credits,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7822|title=Breaking News - ABC Sets Return Date for "Jim," End Date for "Boston" - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> to devote her time to motherhood. She made a guest appearance only in the season finale.

In December 2008, co-star ] said that the sets had been destroyed, indicating that the series was canceled, but that a series finale had been recorded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20090122032124/http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/according-to-jim-abc-sitcom-ending-after-eight-years-no-season-nine/|url-status=dead|title=Canceled TV shows HQ - TV Series Finale|archivedate=January 22, 2009|website=canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale}}</ref> After the first six episodes of Season 8 all aired in December, ''According to Jim'' returned to ABC's schedule on April 14, 2009, for the final 12 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7982|title=Breaking News - According to Jim to Return to ABC Tuesdays - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>
The series finale of ''According to Jim'' aired on June 2, 2009, on ], and was titled "Heaven Opposed to Hell."

=== Home media ===
] (under license from ]) has released the first five seasons on DVD in Region 1.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! DVD Name !! Ep# !! Release Date
|-
| The Complete First Season || style="text-align:center;"|22 || style="text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2008|10|21}}
|-
| The Complete Second Season || style="text-align:center;"|28 || style="text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2010|05|04}}
|-
| The Complete Third Season || style="text-align:center;"|29 || style="text-align:center;"|May 3, 2011
|-
| The Complete Fourth Season || style="text-align:center;"|27 || style="text-align:center;"|July 5, 2011
|-
| The Complete Fifth Season || style="text-align:center;"|22 || style="text-align:center;"|October 4, 2011
|-
| The Complete Sixth Season || style="text-align:center;"|18 || style="text-align:center;"|{{TableTBA}}
|-
| The Complete Seventh Season || style="text-align:center;"|18 || style="text-align:center;"|{{TableTBA}}
|-
| The Complete Eighth and Final Season || style="text-align:center;"|18 || style="text-align:center;"|{{TableTBA}}
|}

== Reception ==
The pilot was screened to critics in the month leading up to its premiere, and received a mixed response. In his September 9, 2001 review of the pilot, '']'''s John Carmen labelled the show a "formulaic comedy", and said the only distinguishable part of the pilot was when Jim's four year old daughter Gracie loudly proclaimed "I have a vagina" during a kitchen scene.<ref>https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/FALL-TV-PREVIEW-Rating-the-new-shows-John-2879261.php</ref> In her September 28, 2001 review of the pilot, Laura Fries of '']'' said that the show "works better when it stays within the family unit, where Belushi is key", adding that he "reps the definition of a lovable lug".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/reviews/according-to-jim-1200469669/ | title=According to Jim | date=September 29, 2001 }}</ref> On October 2, 2001, Caryn James of '']'' called it "among the season's worst new shows", and criticized it as " every stereotype in its reach". Regarding Belushi's character, she also said "somehow Jim Belushi has made a career out of playing lovable lunks, even though no one finds his lunky characters lovable."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/02/arts/television-reviews-a-hopeless-and-helpless-self-help-specialist.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306125246/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/02/arts/television-reviews-a-hopeless-and-helpless-self-help-specialist.html | archive-date=March 6, 2014 | title=TELEVISION REVIEWS; A Hopeless and Helpless Self-Help Specialist | work=The New York Times | date=October 2, 2001 | last1=James | first1=Caryn }}</ref>

=== Ratings ===
The sitcom debuted in October 2001 on ] with an average of 10 million viewers for its first year. The audience grew in the second year to over 10.3 million. The ratings remained consistent for Seasons 3 and 4 as well. Starting with Season 5, the ratings began to decline. The series was often scheduled against the hugely successful '']''. By Season 6, ''According to Jim'' was down to 6.7 million viewers.

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of ''According to Jim'' on ].

''Note: Each U.S. network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May ].''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season
! Timeslot
! Premiere
! Finale
! TV season
! Ranking
! Viewers<br/>(in millions)
|-
| 1st
| Wednesday 8:30&nbsp;p.m.
| October 3, 2001
| May 15, 2002
| ]
| #55<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2002/2002-05-28-year-end-chart.htm|title=USATODAY.com - How did your favorite show rate?|work=usatoday.com|access-date=October 2, 2015|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222174856/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/2002/2002-05-28-year-end-chart.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 10.0
|-
| 2nd
| Tuesday 8:30&nbsp;p.m.
| October 1, 2002
| May 20, 2003
| ]
| #51<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/06/06/rank-and-file/|title=Rank And File|magazine=]|access-date=October 2, 2015|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719064902/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,455439,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 10.3
|-
| 3rd
| Tuesday 9:00&nbsp;p.m.
| September 23, 2003
| May 25, 2004
| ]
| #51<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930171419/http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11|title=ABC Medianet|archive-date=September 30, 2007|work=abcmedianet.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>
| 9.9
|-
| 4th
| Tuesday 9:00&nbsp;p.m.
| September 21, 2004
| May 17, 2005
| ]
| #47<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/dispDNR.html?id=060105_05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310210208/http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/dispDNR.html?id=060105_05|title=ABC Medianet|archive-date=March 10, 2007|work=abcmedianet.com|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>
| 9.9
|-
| 5th
| Tuesday 8:00&nbsp;p.m.
| September 20, 2005
| May 2, 2006
| ]
| #108<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505145530/http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_07|date=May 5, 2012}}</ref>
| 6.7
|-
| 6th
| Wednesday 9:00&nbsp;p.m.
| January 3, 2007
| May 16, 2007
| ]
| #119<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107155346/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=060507_05|url-status=dead|title=Disney General Entertainment Content Press|archivedate=January 7, 2009}}</ref>
| 6.7
|-
| rowspan="2" | 7th
| Tuesday 9:00&nbsp;p.m.
| January 1, 2008
| March 11, 2008
| rowspan="2" | ]
| #146<ref name="abcmedianet1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413172935/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06|url-status=dead|title=Disney General Entertainment Content Press|archivedate=April 13, 2010}}</ref>
| 5.3
|-
| Tuesday 8:30&nbsp;p.m.
| April 15, 2008
| May 27, 2008
| #171<ref name="abcmedianet1"/>
| 4.1
|-
| rowspan="4" | 8th
| Tuesday 9:00&nbsp;p.m.
| rowspan="2" | December 2, 2008
| rowspan="2" | December 30, 2008
| rowspan="4" | ]
| #104<ref name="abcmedianet2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131044226/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05|url-status=dead|title=Disney General Entertainment Content Press|archivedate=January 31, 2010}}</ref>
| 5.6
|-
| Tuesday 9:30&nbsp;p.m.
| #127<ref name="abcmedianet2"/>
| 4.8
|-
| Tuesday 8:00&nbsp;p.m.
| rowspan="2" | April 14, 2009
| rowspan="2" | June 2, 2009
| #148<ref name="abcmedianet2"/>
| 3.8
|-
| Tuesday 8:30&nbsp;p.m.
| #149<ref name="abcmedianet2"/>
| 3.8
|}

=== Accolades ===
''According to Jim'' was nominated for 20 awards, including four ] (all for cinematography).

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" style="width:18%;" | Association
! scope="col" style="width:5%;" | Year{{efn|Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
! scope="col" style="width:38%;" | Category
! scope="col" style="width:27%;" | Nominee(s) / Work
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:8%;" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:4%;" | {{Abbr|Ref(s)|References}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="1" | ]
| ]
| Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
| {{sort|Breiting|Lauren Breiting}} <small>(for "]")</small>
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=2007 Image Award nominees and winners|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/2007-image-award-nominees-winners-131131/|website=hollywoodreporter.com|date=March 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203130142/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/2007-image-award-nominees-winners-131131/|archive-date=December 3, 2022}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="4" | ]s
| ]
| ]
| {{sort|Mooradian|George Mooradian}} <small>(for "]")</small>
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="According to Jim Emmy nominations">{{Cite web|title=According to Jim Emmy nominations|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/according-jim|website=emmys.com|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530034028/https://www.emmys.com/site-search?search_api_views_fulltext=According%20to%20Jim&f%5B1%5D=type%3Anominations|archive-date=May 30, 2020}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
| {{sort|Mooradian|George Mooradian}} <small>(for "]")</small>
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="According to Jim Emmy nominations" />
|-
| ]
| ]
| {{sort|Mooradian|George Mooradian}} <small>(for "]")</small>
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="According to Jim Emmy nominations" />
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series
| {{sort|Mooradian|George Mooradian}} <small>(for "]")</small>
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="According to Jim Emmy nominations" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="15" | ]s
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | ]
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Under
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA 2002">{{Cite web|title=Twenty-Third Annual Young Artist Awards 2002|url=http://youngartistawards.org/noms23A.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423085945/http://youngartistawards.org/noms23A.htm|archive-date=April 23, 2016}}</ref>
|-
| {{sort|Bruno|Billi Bruno}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA 2002" />
|-
| ]
| Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=Twenty-Fourth Annual Young Artist Awards—NOMINATIONS and AWARDS|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms24.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204172303/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms24.htm|archive-date=December 4, 2016}}</ref>
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | ]
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA25">{{Cite web|title=25th Annual Young Artist Awards—WINNERS and NOMINEES!|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms25.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802044855/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms25.htm|archive-date=August 2, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| {{sort|Bruno|Billi Bruno}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA25" />
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | ]
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA26">{{Cite web|title=26th Annual Young Artist Awards—WINNERS and NOMINEES!|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms26.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304222052/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms26.htm|archive-date=March 4, 2008}}</ref>
|-
| {{sort|Bruno|Billi Bruno}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA26" />
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="4" | ]
| Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Sullivan|Connor and Garret Sullivan}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA27">{{Cite web|title=27th Annual Young Artist Awards—twentyseventh annual nominees|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms27.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704071111/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms27.htm|archive-date=July 4, 2010}}</ref>
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA27" />
|-
| {{sort|Bruno|Billi Bruno}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA27" />
|-
| Best Family Television Series (Comedy)
| ''According to Jim''
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA27" />
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | ]
| Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger
| {{sort|Bruno|Billi Bruno}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA28">{{Cite web|title=28th Annual Young Artist Awards—twentyeighth annual nominees|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms28.htm|website=youngartistawards.org|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627043416/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms28.htm|archive-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Best Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor
| {{sort|Majors|Austin Majors}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="YAA28" />
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | ]
| Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actor Ten or Under
| {{sort|Rayburn|Conner Rayburn}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Young Artist Awards 2008">{{Cite web|title=Young Artist Awards 2008|url=https://www.famousfix.com/topic/young-artist-awards-2008|website=famousfix.com|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119091905/https://www.famousfix.com/topic/young-artist-awards-2008|archive-date=November 19, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actress
| {{sort|Atelian|Taylor Atelian}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Young Artist Awards 2008" />
|-
|}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
*{{IMDb title|0285351}}
*


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Latest revision as of 13:40, 4 December 2024

American comedy television series
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "According to Jim" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

According to Jim
GenreSitcom
Created by
Starring
Opening theme“Jimmie’s Theme” by Jim Belushi
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons8
No. of episodes182 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Tracy Newman
  • Jonathan Stark
  • Suzanne Bukinik
  • Marc Gurvitz
  • Jim Belushi
  • John D. Beck
  • Ron Hart
  • David Feeney
  • Warren Bell
  • Bob Nickman
  • Howard J. Morris
  • Nastaran Dibai
  • Jeffrey B. Hodes
  • John Peaslee
  • Judd Pillot
Producers
  • Robert Heath
  • Harry Hannigan
  • Christopher J. Nowak
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseOctober 3, 2001 (2001-10-03) –
June 2, 2009 (2009-06-02)

According to Jim is an American sitcom television series starring Jim Belushi in the title role as a suburban father of three children (and then five children, starting with the seventh season finale). It originally ran on ABC from October 3, 2001, to June 2, 2009.

Synopsis

The cast of According to Jim.

Jim is a happy-go-lucky suburban father. Much like his real-life counterpart, Jim's character is a fan of blues music, as well as the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Together with his wife Cheryl, they have three children, daughters Ruby and Gracie and son Kyle. In the seventh season they become parents of twin boys Gordon and Jonathan.

Jim often finds himself in difficult situations, because his slacker sensibilities cause him to search for alternative ways to get things done with less effort. Jim is very cheap, selfish, rude and arrogant. While Cheryl's brother Andy is Jim's best friend/brother-in-law and her sister Dana frequently teams up with Cheryl against Jim. He also prefers to lie to Cheryl and Dana to do his own activities but they end up backfiring on him. He hates losing to women, especially if Cheryl or Dana find out. He doesn't like people interrupting him when he talks, so he speaks over them to shut them up. Jim often makes an example of Andy, who for most of the series does not have a steady girlfriend. Dana and Jim argue constantly, but Dana flirts with Jim when she's drunk, discovering after one such event that she respects Jim as a loving father despite his flaws.

Episodes

Main article: List of According to Jim episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
122October 3, 2001 (2001-10-03)May 15, 2002 (2002-05-15)
228October 1, 2002 (2002-10-01)May 20, 2003 (2003-05-20)
329September 23, 2003 (2003-09-23)May 25, 2004 (2004-05-25)
427September 21, 2004 (2004-09-21)May 27, 2005 (2005-05-27)
522September 20, 2005 (2005-09-20)May 2, 2006 (2006-05-02)
618January 3, 2007 (2007-01-03)May 16, 2007 (2007-05-16)
718January 1, 2008 (2008-01-01)May 27, 2008 (2008-05-27)
818December 2, 2008 (2008-12-02)June 2, 2009 (2009-06-02)

Cast and characters

Main and recurring cast

Jim Belushi
Jim Belushi as James "Jim"
Courtney Thorne-Smith
Courtney Thorne-Smith
as Cheryl
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Dana
Larry Joe Campbell
Larry Joe Campbell as Andrew "Andy"
Actor Character Seasons
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Jim Belushi James "Jim" Main
Courtney Thorne-Smith Cheryl Main
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Dana Main Special Guest
Larry Joe Campbell Andrew "Andy" Main
Taylor Atelian Ruby Main
Billi Bruno Gracie Main
Conner Rayburn Kyle Does not appear Main
Mitch Rouse Ryan Gibson Does not appear Recurring Does not appear Guest
  • Jim Belushi as James "Jim" (seasons 1–8): the titular role of the series. Jim is a suburban family man, successful construction business owner (Ground Up Design), and blues garage band frontman. In his stubborn ways, Jim gets himself into various predicaments, which compel him to solve in creative ways, all while battling his own conscience. Despite his best efforts, Jim ultimately admits his wrong-doings to Cheryl and others involved. Shenanigans aside, Jim is happily married to his loving wife, Cheryl. Jim and Cheryl's three children (Ruby, Gracie and Kyle) complement the family dynamic through the series' run. At the end of season 7, Cheryl gives birth to identical twin sons, Johnathan and Gordon. Jim is an avid Chicago sports enthusiast. In numerous episodes, Jim is seen watching Chicago Bears football games in his living room. In season 4's "Poking the Bear" episode, Jim shows his disdain for other football teams when his potential client takes him to a Green Bay Packers game. He enjoys playing harmonica and fronting his garage band. In various episodes, he and his band practice in the garage, except when Cheryl takes over the garage with a yoga class in season 2's "The Closet" episode, forcing Jim and the band to practice in the attic.
  • Courtney Thorne-Smith as Cheryl (seasons 1–8): Jim's wife, as well as Dana and Andy's older sister. Last names were never revealed for Jim and Cheryl, only middle names, (Orenthal and Mable).
  • Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Dana Gibson (seasons 1–7; special guest season 8): Cheryl's younger sister. Dana is a vice president for a marketing company and prides herself at being good at her job. She often sides with her sister, Cheryl, during family quarrels.
  • Larry Joe Campbell as Andrew "Andy" (seasons 1–8): Cheryl's younger brother. Andy is a Stanford University graduate and works for Jim as an architect at their construction company, Ground Up Design. He often sides with Jim during family squabbles. He is a sci-fi enthusiast who collects video games, Nerf guns, DVD movies, board games, and comic books (as seen in season 6's "Separate Ways"). Andy considers himself to be a "ladies’ man", but his pick-up lines don't bring many long-term relationships.
  • Taylor Atelian as Ruby (seasons 1–8): Jim and Cheryl's first child. Like her mother, Cheryl, Ruby is a leader amongst her siblings.
  • Billi Bruno as Gracie (seasons 1–8): Jim and Cheryl's second child. Gracie often sides with Ruby during sibling rivalries against Kyle.
  • Conner Rayburn as Kyle (seasons 4–8): Jim and Cheryl's third child. Kyle is not particularly interested in sports and finds it difficult to connect with his father on the topic.
  • Mitch Rouse as Dr. Ryan "Doc" Gibson (recurring seasons 4–6; guest season 8): Cheryl's doctor in season 4's "Poking the Bear" episode. Ryan later becomes Dana's boyfriend, the two eventually marry, and have a child together.

Other appearances

  • Tony Braunagel as Tony (seasons 1–8): A member of Jim's band
  • Connor and Garret Sullivan as baby Kyle (seasons 1–3)
  • John Rubano as John (seasons 1–8): A member of Jim's band
  • Charlie Hartsock as Charlie (seasons 3–8): A member of Jim's band
  • Robert Belushi as Pizza boy / adult Kyle / Various (seasons 1–6, 8)
  • Mark Beltzman as Beltzman (seasons 3–4, 6): A member of Jim's band
  • Christopher Moniyhan as Chris (seasons 1–2): A member of Jim's band
  • Jamison Belushi as Various (seasons 5–8)
  • Dan Aykroyd as Danny Michalski (seasons 1–3, 8): Jim's long-time friend and police officer
  • Kathleen Noone as Maggie (seasons 1–2, 4–5): Cheryl, Dana and Andy's mother
  • Jackie Debatin as Mandy (season 8): Ruby's piano teacher. Later, Andy's girlfriend.
  • Cynthia Stevenson as Cindy Devlin (seasons 2–4, 6): Cheryl's obnoxious soccer-mom friend
  • Tim Bagley as Tim Devlin (seasons 2–4, 6): Cindy's husband
  • Mo Collins as Emily (seasons 7–8): Andy's girlfriend
  • Chris Elliott as Reverend Pierson (seasons 2–3)
  • Brad Paisley as Eddie (season 2): Dana's boyfriend and Andy's replacement on keyboards for a gig. He also portrays Chad (season 2) in the episodes "You Gotta Love Somebody (Parts 1 & 2)".
  • Laraine Newman as Officer Laraine Elkin (seasons 2–3): Danny's police officer partner
  • Jennifer Coolidge as Roxanne (seasons 2–3): Jim's estranged sister
  • Erik Estrada as Himself (season 5). He also portrays the Devil (season 8) in the episode "Heaven Opposed to Hell".
  • Lee Majors as God (seasons 7–8)
  • Nicole Sullivan as Alicia (season 1): Ruby's piano teacher and Andy's girlfriend
  • Brian Urlacher as Himself (season 1)
  • Cindy Crawford as Gretchen Saunders (season 2): A seductive female manager at a car dealership in "Cars & Chicks"
  • Mike Ditka as Himself (season 2)
  • Trista Sutter as Herself (season 2)
  • Bo Diddley as Himself (season 2)
  • Jack Coleman as Sean Curran (season 2)
  • Wayne Newton as Himself (season 2)
  • Jane Lynch as Janice (season 3): Jim and Cheryl's neighbor
  • Tom Bergeron as Himself (season 3)
  • James Earl Jones as the voice of Royal Flush (season 3): A stainless steel talking toilet
  • Dave Coulier as the voice of Angry Pete (season 4): A psychotic turkey in "The Hunters"
  • Tom Arnold as Max (season 4): A Green Bay Packers fan and Jim's potential client
  • Hugh Hefner as Himself (season 5)
  • Linda Hamilton as Melissa Evans (season 5): Jim's former girlfriend
  • Barry Williams as Ben (season 5)
  • Julie Newmar as Herself (season 5)
  • Tim Meadows as Dennis (season 6)
  • George Takei as Himself (season 6)
  • Phil LaMarr as Kurt (season 6)
  • Cole Sprouse as Himself (season 7)
  • Dylan Sprouse as Himself (season 7)
  • Steve Guttenberg as Himself (season 8)
  • Rob Moran as Director (season 8)
  • Constance Marie as Victoria (season 8): Jim's former girlfriend
  • James Lipton as The Devil (season 7)

Production

Development

According to Jim was created by Tracy Newman and Jonathan Stark. The sitcom was produced by ABC's in-house production company and Newman/Stark, Suzanne Bukinik Entertainment and Brad Grey Television. Filming occurred at the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles. It was originally announced in May 2001 under the title The Dad, with the pilot being shot sometime in mid-2001. In July 2001, the show's title was changed from The Dad to According to Jim.

Belushi, besides playing Jim, directed 30 episodes and is credited as executive producer.

Belushi's fictional character Jim's band in the series is the real-life House of Blues band The Sacred Hearts, for which Jim Belushi often sings lead.

Influences

Belushi says he set the show's trademark tone back in the show's 2001 pilot.

"The original script called for Jim to go to the wife and apologize," he recalls. "I said to the writers, 'Why do we have to do a show where the guy is going to apologize at the end of every episode? Was he really wrong? He's contrite, sure. But isn't he just being a man?'"

In an interview, Jim Belushi explained that the show many times directly reflected his actual life. Quite a few episodes were experiences taken directly from Belushi's home. Most of the episodes were taken from experiences inside the writers' homes, too. He adds:

"Every show is based in somebody's reality. Whether it's Larry's, or mine, or Courtney's, or the writers'. Because it was a relationship show about a family, everyone would bring in their experiences as a family, and we would do shows around them."

Family names

Last names were never really addressed for the entire run of the show. None of the main characters did get a last name until Season 4 when Kimberly Williams-Paisley's character Dana married Dr. Ryan Gibson (played by Mitch Rouse). She became Dana Gibson with their marriage. Only guest characters had first and last names in most cases.

Music

The According to Jim soundtrack was recorded at Ultratone Studies in Studio City, California and released by Hollywood Records on November 1, 2005.

Track listing

All songs are performed by Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts.

No.TitleWriter(s)Original artist (date)Length
1."Sweet Home Chicago"Robert JohnsonRobert Johnson (1936)3:28
2."Cadillac Man"Jim Belushi, Glen Clark 2:36
3."Say I Do"Belushi, Clark, Jana Hunter, Mitch Hunter 2:55
4."Have Love, Will Travel"Richard BerryRichard Berry (1959)3:26
5."Three Hundred Pounds of Joy"Willie DixonHowlin' Wolf (1963)4:07
6."Jimmie's Theme"Belushi, Clark 3:42
7."Angel"Belushi, Clark 3:11
8."Mellow Down Easy"Willie DixonLittle Walter (1954)3:12
9."Girl Watcher"Ronald Killette, Wayne PittmanThe O'Kaysions (1968)3:21
10."I've Got Everything I Need (Almost)"Don WalshDownchild Blues Band (1973)2:44
11."Bless My Soul"Belushi, Clark 2:44
12."Mambo Miami"Belushi, Clark 3:40
13."Viva Las Vegas"Doc Pomus, Mort ShumanElvis Presley (1964)3:53
14."All She Wants to Do Is Rock"Theodore McRae, Wynonie HarrisWynonie Harris (1949)2:44
Total length:45:43

Release

Broadcast

The show first aired following the surprise hit comedy My Wife and Kids and quickly developed an audience of its own. For its second season ABC placed it on its revitalized Tuesday line-up, which also included John Ritter's 8 Simple Rules, Bonnie Hunt's Life with Bonnie and Sara Rue's Less than Perfect. Week by week, the show attracted more and more viewers, becoming ABC's second most watched sitcom. The show performed so well that the network made a risky move: putting Jim opposite the NBC juggernaut Frasier. Although Jim did not beat the competition, it performed well enough to secure itself that spot on the 2003 fall schedule.

On May 15, 2007, ABC announced that According to Jim would not be renewed for another season. ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson said, "We are talking to the studio to see if there's something financially, a deal that would make sense for us." But on June 27, 2007, ABC renewed the show for a seventh season with 18 episodes.

According to Jim returned to ABC's schedule on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, with two episodes at 9 pm and 9:30 pm. After that, the series moved to its regular time slot at 8 pm. Despite the writer's strike, ABC announced that the show would produce all 18 episodes ordered for this season.

On February 27, 2008, it was reported that ABC was close to renewing According to Jim for an eighth season. On May 13, 2008, ABC officially renewed the series and Season 8 began airing on December 2, 2008. Kimberly Williams-Paisley left the show's regular cast at the beginning of Season 8 and was not in the Season 8 opening credits, to devote her time to motherhood. She made a guest appearance only in the season finale.

In December 2008, co-star Larry Joe Campbell said that the sets had been destroyed, indicating that the series was canceled, but that a series finale had been recorded. After the first six episodes of Season 8 all aired in December, According to Jim returned to ABC's schedule on April 14, 2009, for the final 12 episodes. The series finale of According to Jim aired on June 2, 2009, on ABC, and was titled "Heaven Opposed to Hell."

Home media

Lionsgate Home Entertainment (under license from ABC Studios) has released the first five seasons on DVD in Region 1.

DVD Name Ep# Release Date
The Complete First Season 22 October 21, 2008 (2008-10-21)
The Complete Second Season 28 May 4, 2010 (2010-05-04)
The Complete Third Season 29 May 3, 2011
The Complete Fourth Season 27 July 5, 2011
The Complete Fifth Season 22 October 4, 2011
The Complete Sixth Season 18 TBA
The Complete Seventh Season 18 TBA
The Complete Eighth and Final Season 18 TBA

Reception

The pilot was screened to critics in the month leading up to its premiere, and received a mixed response. In his September 9, 2001 review of the pilot, SFGate's John Carmen labelled the show a "formulaic comedy", and said the only distinguishable part of the pilot was when Jim's four year old daughter Gracie loudly proclaimed "I have a vagina" during a kitchen scene. In her September 28, 2001 review of the pilot, Laura Fries of Variety said that the show "works better when it stays within the family unit, where Belushi is key", adding that he "reps the definition of a lovable lug". On October 2, 2001, Caryn James of The New York Times called it "among the season's worst new shows", and criticized it as " every stereotype in its reach". Regarding Belushi's character, she also said "somehow Jim Belushi has made a career out of playing lovable lunks, even though no one finds his lunky characters lovable."

Ratings

The sitcom debuted in October 2001 on ABC with an average of 10 million viewers for its first year. The audience grew in the second year to over 10.3 million. The ratings remained consistent for Seasons 3 and 4 as well. Starting with Season 5, the ratings began to decline. The series was often scheduled against the hugely successful American Idol. By Season 6, According to Jim was down to 6.7 million viewers.

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of According to Jim on ABC.

Note: Each U.S. network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps.

Season Timeslot Premiere Finale TV season Ranking Viewers
(in millions)
1st Wednesday 8:30 p.m. October 3, 2001 May 15, 2002 2001–2002 #55 10.0
2nd Tuesday 8:30 p.m. October 1, 2002 May 20, 2003 2002–2003 #51 10.3
3rd Tuesday 9:00 p.m. September 23, 2003 May 25, 2004 2003–2004 #51 9.9
4th Tuesday 9:00 p.m. September 21, 2004 May 17, 2005 2004–2005 #47 9.9
5th Tuesday 8:00 p.m. September 20, 2005 May 2, 2006 2005–2006 #108 6.7
6th Wednesday 9:00 p.m. January 3, 2007 May 16, 2007 2006–2007 #119 6.7
7th Tuesday 9:00 p.m. January 1, 2008 March 11, 2008 2007–2008 #146 5.3
Tuesday 8:30 p.m. April 15, 2008 May 27, 2008 #171 4.1
8th Tuesday 9:00 p.m. December 2, 2008 December 30, 2008 2008–2009 #104 5.6
Tuesday 9:30 p.m. #127 4.8
Tuesday 8:00 p.m. April 14, 2009 June 2, 2009 #148 3.8
Tuesday 8:30 p.m. #149 3.8

Accolades

According to Jim was nominated for 20 awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards (all for cinematography).

Association Year Category Nominee(s) / Work Result Ref(s)
NAACP Image Awards 2007 Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series Lauren Breiting (for "The Stick") Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards 2006 Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series George Mooradian (for "Mr. Right") Nominated
2007 Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series George Mooradian (for "Hoosier Daddy") Nominated
2008 Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series George Mooradian (for "The Chaperone") Nominated
2009 Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series George Mooradian (for "Heaven Opposed to Hell") Nominated
Young Artist Awards 2002 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Under Taylor Atelian Nominated
Billi Bruno Nominated
2003 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger Taylor Atelian Nominated
2004 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger Taylor Atelian Nominated
Billi Bruno Nominated
2005 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger Taylor Atelian Nominated
Billi Bruno Nominated
2006 Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger Connor and Garret Sullivan Nominated
Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actress Ten or Younger Taylor Atelian Nominated
Billi Bruno Nominated
Best Family Television Series (Comedy) According to Jim Nominated
2007 Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger Billi Bruno Nominated
Best Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor Austin Majors Nominated
2008 Best Performance in a TV Series – Young Actor Ten or Under Conner Rayburn Nominated
Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actress Taylor Atelian Nominated

Notes

  1. Credited as Touchstone Television for (seasons 1–6)
  2. Williams-Paisley makes her only season eight appearance and is credited as special guest in its finale.
  3. In the fourth season, Rayburn is initially credited as co-star in the closing credits before being promoted to the main cast in the seventh episode.
  4. Rouse is only credited as guest star in episodes he appears in.
  5. Rouse makes his only season eight appearance and is credited as guest star in its finale.
  6. Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

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  2. Scripps Howard News Service, May 2001
  3. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/FALL-TV-PREVIEW-Rating-the-new-shows-John-2879261.php
  4. ^ E! Online, July 2001
  5. "The Sacred Hearts". Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  6. "According to Jim wraps his run". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
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  8. ^ "According To Jim Soundtrack-Discogs". discogs.com. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  9. ^ "According to Jim Soundtrack". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  10. "TV Series Finale - 2007 Cancelled Shows: ABC Cuts Some Beloved Series". Archived from the original on May 17, 2007. Retrieved May 15, 2007.
  11. "ABC Renews 'According to Jim'". TVWeek. June 27, 2007. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
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  13. "Ausiello on Heroes, "Bubble Show" Mystery, Lost and More!". October 21, 2012. Archived from the original on June 3, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  14. "Breaking News - ABC Unveils 2008-09 Primetime Schedule - TheFutonCritic.com". thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
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  16. "Canceled TV shows HQ - TV Series Finale". canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale. Archived from the original on January 22, 2009.
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  18. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/FALL-TV-PREVIEW-Rating-the-new-shows-John-2879261.php
  19. "According to Jim". September 29, 2001.
  20. James, Caryn (October 2, 2001). "TELEVISION REVIEWS; A Hopeless and Helpless Self-Help Specialist". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014.
  21. "USATODAY.com - How did your favorite show rate?". usatoday.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  22. "Rank And File". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
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  27. ^ "Disney General Entertainment Content Press". Archived from the original on April 13, 2010.
  28. ^ "Disney General Entertainment Content Press". Archived from the original on January 31, 2010.
  29. "2007 Image Award nominees and winners". hollywoodreporter.com. March 2007. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  30. ^ "According to Jim Emmy nominations". emmys.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  31. ^ "Twenty-Third Annual Young Artist Awards 2002". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  32. "Twenty-Fourth Annual Young Artist Awards—NOMINATIONS and AWARDS". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on December 4, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  33. ^ "25th Annual Young Artist Awards—WINNERS and NOMINEES!". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on August 2, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  34. ^ "26th Annual Young Artist Awards—WINNERS and NOMINEES!". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  35. ^ "27th Annual Young Artist Awards—twentyseventh annual nominees". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on July 4, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  36. ^ "28th Annual Young Artist Awards—twentyeighth annual nominees". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  37. ^ "Young Artist Awards 2008". famousfix.com. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2020.

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