Critics said is not comedy, not satire, etc. Maybe they are trying way to much to compare to The Office success. This series is funny on its own way. It’s original (which is very much appreciated under the abundant offer now a days). The plot is borrowed from real life but it has the delicacy on not getting way to much into politics (again, very much appreciated now a days with the tsunami we get from news).
It is short and it does not drag on the plots. It has a lot more things to explore in the next seasons which makes it unpredictable, and that’s where it can get stronger and stronger.
I have to confess though that I am bias with Steve Carell. I love that guy and his acting.