Im sure the series would be as popular as it was IOTL due to the strong ensemble cast (yes, latka was wildly popular, but with a cast consisting of judd hirsch, danny devito, jeff conaway, christopher lloyd, marilu henner, and tony danza, you have enough talent even without kaufman). As for Kaufman, i've heard that the only reason he agreed to do the show was so ABC would let him do some comedy specials. Maybe instead he goes to another network to do them, or maybe even cable.