Gary Shandling show, ahead of it's time?

I keep hearing and seeing the Gary Shandling Show referred to as being "ahead of it's time". Ok, I can't take it anymore...WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS SUPPOSED TO MEAN? My parents used to watch this when I was a pre-teen (circa 1986/87), so I don't really remember my first-hand impression of it (nor would I have "gotten" it at that age anyway). I've seen a couple of clips of the show on different places on the web...it IS funny!!!!! Yet, I don't see how it was "ahead of it's time". As a matter of fact, the so-called "comedy" shows out there today aren't any where near as funny and creative as the old Gary Show.