Looking at those opening credits I'm reminded of how Hanks and Scolari pulled that show above the premise, but it was also producer intent as well. The juggling, the throwing and catching things and the comedy duo schtick shots (like them sunbathing in a parking spot) emphasized the buddy comedy and reading up on the history I discovered they made changes to move beyond the drag in the second season.

In a way the show is as much a precursor to How I Met Your Mother as Friends or Seinfeld.