 " Pilot " received mixed reviews from television critics . Ray Richmond from the Los Angeles Daily News branded the show a " Friends clone " , but praised Carey , calling him " the season 's quirkiest , most uproarious talent " . He also thought that he was " immensely lovable " . Richmond added " The pilot never quite clicks , but you can feel the potential . And spread inside an Ellen / Grace Under Fire sandwich , it 'll be difficult for it to miss . " Lon Grahnke from the Chicago Sun @-@ Times thought the show would be a " probable hit " based on the " Pilot " . He also observed that the show is " a Cleveland variation of Friends , and thought the early time slot was a turn off , as it required the language to be toned @-@ down . David Zurawik from The Baltimore Sun awarded the episode a C + and branded it " a blue @-@ collar Friends . 
