So I called up Mom after my episode aired to ask if she and Dad enjoyed it. (She wasn't thrilled with some of the strong language in my first season one episode-- especially after she phoned all the relatives to tell them to watch it: "You shoulda warned me!") Her evaluation: "It was okay. But I liked last week's one with Leslie Neilsen better." Okay fine.
So I call up sister Heidi: "I laughed like twice... it wasn't great."
I'm not saying you need this kind of family if you're gonna be able to take notes like a pro, but it helps.