I watched this show last night for the first time. It was a re-run but I have to say I was not impressed. They were all trying way too hard to be these ultra hip and cool doctors who are smarter than anyone else. And the House character, a curmudgeon who walks with a cane, insults everyone, has to prove he’s right all the time, all while throwing out sexual innuendo to his uptight, I-have-to-please-the-rich-patients-boss is just exhausting to listen to. I think the writers of this show must go home and pop a few pills just to take the edge off because of this crap they have to come up with.

House limps because he had an infarction in his leg.  This led to muscle death, so they cut some of the muscle out—kind of against his will.  It is possible to enjoy the show without having seen the first season, but it does help.  You can also check out the recaps at http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com if you want quick answers.