Season 1 was a mid-season replacement that struggles to find its footing and I feel that's where the negative reviews are coming from. If you see a negative review, assume they didn't stick it out to season 2. While it may fall flat in season 1, the show works out the kinks and finds a nice groove for itself in season 2 (much like Parks and Rec or The Office who have famously disliked first seasons but gained their fans in season 2). You really don't need to watch season 1 to understand what's going on either. Tom (Topher Grace) is a best-selling novelist whose next book in progress is about his relationship with his siblings Connor (Jimmy Tatro) and Sarah (Caitlin McGee). Connor is a tech wiz in the top 1%, Tom and his wife are solidly middle class, and Sarah and her wife are barely scraping by. That's really all that's established in season 1 that you need to know, so if you want to get into the show start it at season 2. The chemistry between the actors really shines and you believe that they're actual siblings. Tom's and Sarah's wives Marina and Denise (Karla Souza and Sasheer Zamata) balance out the chaos of the Hayworth family and are given some of the funniest moments in the show as the two outsiders to the madness. Overall, it's a great comeback vehicle for Topher who is supported by an insanely talented cast of up and coming character actors. Just ignore season 1 because otherwise you'll miss out on a charming, hilarious family sitcom.
Review of Home Economics
