Is “According to Jim” on Disney+?

The short answer is no, “According to Jim” is not currently available on Disney+. While Disney owns ABC, the network that originally aired “According to Jim,” the show’s streaming rights are held elsewhere. This is a common occurrence in the ever-complex world of streaming rights, and it means that even though it seems like a perfect fit for Disney+, it’s not actually within their streaming catalog… yet. But don’t despair! There are other ways to get your Jim Belushi fix, as we’ll explore below.

Where Can You Watch “According to Jim”?

The absence of “According to Jim” on Disney+ can be frustrating for fans. However, the good news is that the show isn’t completely inaccessible. You’ve got several options:

• Streaming Services: The show has been available on different streaming platforms over time. Keep an eye on services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video (although its availability can be region-dependent and subject to change). It’s always wise to check these platforms directly for current availability.
• Digital Purchases: You can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons of “According to Jim” through various digital storefronts. Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu are good places to check. Purchasing provides the benefit of owning the content outright, meaning you don’t have to worry about it disappearing from a streaming service.
• DVD Sets: For the truly old-school fans (and those who appreciate physical media), DVD sets of “According to Jim” are readily available from online retailers like Amazon and eBay. This is a guaranteed way to access all the episodes, regardless of streaming rights shenanigans.
• Syndication: “According to Jim” still airs in syndication on various cable and broadcast channels. Check your local listings to see if it’s playing in your area. While you won’t have on-demand access, it’s a free (with your cable subscription, of course) way to enjoy the show.

Why Isn’t it on Disney+? The Streaming Rights Maze

Understanding why “According to Jim” isn’t on Disney+ requires a quick dive into the labyrinthine world of streaming rights. Television shows are often licensed to different companies for different purposes.

• Original Network vs. Production Company: “According to Jim” aired on ABC, which is owned by Disney. However, the show was produced by Touchstone Television (later renamed ABC Studios), and possibly co-produced by other entities. The production company often retains a significant portion of the distribution and streaming rights.
• Prior Licensing Agreements: Before the rise of streaming services, studios would license their shows to cable networks and other distributors. These agreements can be long-term and may prevent the show from appearing on Disney+ until those contracts expire.
• International Rights: The streaming rights can vary significantly by country. “According to Jim” might be available on a streaming service in one country but not in another. This adds another layer of complexity to the equation.

The key takeaway is that just because Disney owns the network that originally aired the show doesn’t automatically grant them the streaming rights. These rights are often a complex web of agreements negotiated years ago.

According to Jim: A Retrospective

“According to Jim,” which premiered in 2001, is a sitcom centered around the life of Jim Belushi’s character, Jim, a lovable but often-clueless family man in suburban Chicago. The show follows Jim as he navigates married life with his wife, Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith), and raises their three (later five) children. The humor stems from Jim’s traditional, often stubborn, worldview clashing with modern sensibilities and Cheryl’s more grounded perspective.

The Appeal of a Classic Sitcom

Despite not being a critical darling, “According to Jim” enjoyed a successful eight-season run, appealing to a broad audience with its relatable characters and straightforward humor. Key elements of its appeal include:

• Relatability: Many viewers found Jim’s struggles with marriage, parenting, and everyday life highly relatable.
• Jim Belushi’s Charisma: Belushi’s comedic timing and everyman persona were central to the show’s success.
• Family-Friendly Humor: The show’s humor was generally clean and family-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of viewers.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, including Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Jim’s sister-in-law Dana and Larry Joe Campbell as his best friend Andy, added depth and comedic foil to Jim’s antics.

While it might not be the most groundbreaking sitcom ever created, “According to Jim” offered comfort and laughter to millions of viewers, solidifying its place in television history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 FAQs to answer common questions viewers might have about “According to Jim” and its availability.

1. Will “According to Jim” ever be on Disney+? While it’s impossible to say for sure, it’s possible! As streaming rights agreements expire and are renegotiated, “According to Jim” could eventually find its way to Disney+. Keep an eye on announcements from Disney and other streaming services.

2. Is there a specific reason why Disney+ doesn’t have “According to Jim”? As discussed earlier, the primary reason is likely due to existing streaming rights agreements with other companies. These agreements predate Disney+’s launch and could be long-term contracts.

3. Are there any plans for a “According to Jim” reboot or revival? There have been no official announcements regarding a reboot or revival. However, the popularity of reboots and revivals in recent years makes it a possibility in the future. Fan interest would likely play a significant role in any decision.

4. What other shows are similar to “According to Jim” that are on Disney+? If you enjoy the family sitcom format, you might like “Modern Family,” “Black-ish,” or even classic Disney Channel sitcoms like “Boy Meets World” and “Even Stevens,” which are all available on Disney+. These shows offer relatable family dynamics and comedic situations.

5. Is “According to Jim” available on Netflix? As of today, “According to Jim” is NOT on Netflix. Like Disney+, the availability of streaming titles changes frequently so it’s always best to double check Netflix.

6. How can I request that Disney+ add “According to Jim”? While there’s no guarantee it will work, you can contact Disney+ through their customer service channels or social media to express your interest in seeing “According to Jim” added to their platform. Viewer demand can sometimes influence programming decisions.

7. Are the actors from “According to Jim” working on any other projects? Jim Belushi continues to act and has been involved in various projects, including “The Defenders” and “Growing Belushi.” Courtney Thorne-Smith has also appeared in numerous television shows and movies. Kimberly Williams-Paisley is also a prolific actress and author.

8. What are some of the most popular episodes of “According to Jim”? Some of the most popular episodes include the pilot episode, “Pilot,” as well as “The Bachelor Party,” “The Fight,” and “Cheryl Goes to Work.” These episodes showcase the show’s signature humor and relatable family dynamics.

9. Is “According to Jim” available to rent on any streaming services? Yes, most of the platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu offer options to rent or buy individual episodes.

10. Why was “According to Jim” cancelled? The show’s cancellation after eight seasons was likely due to a combination of factors, including declining ratings and the natural lifecycle of a sitcom. While it maintained a loyal following, it may have simply run its course.

11. Are there any behind-the-scenes documentaries or specials about “According to Jim”? Unfortunately, there aren’t many widely available behind-the-scenes documentaries or specials about “According to Jim.” You might find some interviews with the cast and crew on YouTube or other video platforms, but dedicated documentaries are rare.

12. Can I watch “According to Jim” for free online? Watching copyrighted content for free through unofficial sources is generally illegal and can expose you to viruses and malware. It’s always best to access the show through legitimate streaming services, digital purchases, or DVD sets.