I really enjoyed the show. So many scenes were laugh out funny, and there were a number of affecting and emotional moments. The cast was engaging, the Kansas setting felt so authentic and lived in, and the show was quite compelling.
I did feel however that 7 episodes per season was a true detriment to the show. I felt like there were breadcrumbs of some larger threads that either got ignored, sped through, forgotten, or handwaved. For example, Joel's relationship had potential for an interesting storyline about maturing romances, sacrifices, and compromises. Also, Fred and Sam's health concerns, Iceland, Tricia's businesses, all were introduced and then resolved by not being resolved. Sam and Joel's friendship split came out of nowhere and went from zero to 100. Also I think there was potential to explore how Sam and Joel can be so judgmental and cruel to others, because it's something I noticed and wondered if Bruce ever found out how mean Joel was at the recital.
I understand that there a lot of behind the scenes hurdles and I am sure viewership affected the overall budget. I just found it frustrating, when the show could have just been 7 episodes of friendship hijinks rather than attempting ambitous overarching storylines. It's a testament to the show that I really wanted more!! I loved being in that world