1. In regard to situations, the show is quite realistic.

The term "sitcom" is short for "situational comedy". Despite its absurdity, the situations in IASIP are more realistic compared to other sitcoms; The Gang just escalates everything in their pursuit of self-gain. You're more likely to get stuck in a water slide for the day than meet Elon Musk at a soup kitchen (looking at you, Big Bang Theory).

2. Real-world issues are addressed.

We live in a television culture where shows actively avoid numerous topics, like dodging lasers in a spy thriller. This is in order to avoid alienating audiences. Sunny does not do that. Instead, Sunny runs through the lasers, setting off as many as possible to see who will stop them. This lack of restraint has produced amazing episodes such as "Gun Fever: Still Too Hot", an episode that continues to age well in which the Gang takes sides on the gun control debate.

Perhaps you'd be interested in "Reynolds vs Reynolds: The Cereal Defense", which still remains one of the most solid creation versus evolution arguments I've heard. Even so, my favorite episode that's tackled a real-world issue is "The Gang Turns Black". In this episode, the Gang is struck by lightning and wakes up well....black. Easily controversial, the episode touches on racial happenings such as assumptions, Black Lives Matter, and police brutality. It's produced one of the Charlie's only wise quotes: "we have a lot in common, but too much of it is fear" (it's also a musical, for you musical lovers). Best of all, the show is mostly apolitical about the whole ordeal.

3. Surprisingly, the characters remind us of our own humanity.

Trust me, I'm not a cynic. I'm not calling you a narcissist, sexually confused, or even illiterate. However, the Gang reminds us every episode of what it's like to be a human, and to have flaws. Charlie does have a lack of hygiene, though he does take pride in his work, and does have a person in his life that he loves, even if the feelings aren't reciprocated. Dee is quite delusional, though don't we all want to be seen as possessing a good sense of humor? Oftentimes, Mac isn't honest with himself, which is often difficult to do.. When first introduced in the second season, Frank wanted acceptance into the group, something that hits too close to home for many. Finally, the self-idealism of Dennis is just an inflated reminder of the unwillingness to be flawed, or vulnerable.