diff --git a/gtm b/gtm
index 74b393f..c9cc132 100755
--- a/gtm
+++ b/gtm
@@ -1625,10 +1625,20 @@ def set_warning_message(state: AppState, message: str) -> AppState:
     """Set a warning message to be displayed in the status bar"""
     return replace(state, warning_message=message)
 
+def is_terminal_supported(term_name):
+    """Check if a terminal type is supported by curses."""
+    import _curses
+    try:
+        # Try to set up the terminal without actually initializing the screen
+        curses.setupterm(term=term_name, fd=-1)
+        return True
+    except _curses.error:
+        return False
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    # Set a fallback terminal type if the current one isn't recognized
-    original_term = os.environ.get("TERM")
-    if original_term in ["xterm-ghostty", "unknown"]:
+    # Check if current terminal is supported, use fallback if needed
+    original_term = os.environ.get("TERM", "")
+    if original_term and not is_terminal_supported(original_term):
         # We'll show this warning in the UI instead of console
         terminal_warning = f"Terminal type '{original_term}' not recognized. Using 'xterm-256color'."
         os.environ["TERM"] = "xterm-256color"