I think it was meant to be "over the top" and unrealistic, which made it easier for me to accept the ridiculous dialogue and exaggerated expressions. I agree that the plot was pretty bad (a complete rip off from Save the Last Dance and so illogical that I'm not going to go into details), but it was the comedy, acting, and chemistry that saved the show.
It actually surprised me since I never watch series w/ bad plots, but this was an exception.