Through 8 seasons from October 2001 - June 2009, Jim Belushi starred as Jim, an abrasive but lovable suburban father in the ABC comedy. Much like his real life counterpart, Jim's character is noted as a fan of blue music and Chicago sports. Together with his wife Cheryl they have five children.

Jim often finds himself in messy situations because his laziness inclines him to search for alternative ways of doing things with less effort. While Cheryl's brother Andy might be Jim's best friend, her sister Dana frequently teams up with Cheryl against Jim.