Andy Barker, P.I.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

Granted, this new Andy may not be as inventive or subversive as Universe, but it is just as funny and probably a bit more accessible.

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

It's as quirky, original and funny a comedy as "Universe."

Entertainment WeeklyGillian Flynn

Andy Barker isn't as complete a comedy as Andy Richter Controls the Universe — the first three episodes feel like a series of very funny bits that have been welded together. But so did 30 Rock when it first started, and that's now the best comedy on TV.

Orlando SentinelHal Boedeker

This amusing series is likely to leave you smiling rather than guffawing.

Kansas City StarAaron Barnhart

With all the crazy gags, pitch-perfect dialogue and a fresh hero at the center, it’s hard not to see “Andy Barker” as the spiritual successor to “Police Squad!”.

TV GuideMatt Roush

Nerdy sweetness and deep silliness flow effortlessly from Andy Richter.

NewsdayDiane Werts

It's hard to convey all the ways that this tightly directed show goes right: quietly observant character detail, solid sleuthing, play-it-straight absurdity and sneaky "Airplane!"-style parody riffs.

Seattle Post-IntelligencerMelanie McFarland

The show could be almost too funny to be appreciated on normal television, in the same way "Arrested [Development]" was.

Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm

The show is equal parts silliness and satire.

Washington PostTom Shales

What it lacks in edge, it makes up for in charm.

Detroit Free PressMike Duffy

[A] sly spoof.

San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman

"Andy Barker, P.I." is a joyous, ridiculous, warm, affecting and silly comedy that is tone specific (read: Not everybody is going to get the vibe, and thus the jokes).

People WeeklyTom Gliatto

This show has a light, charming sense of the ridiculous. [19 Mar 2007, p.39]

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

Like "30 Rock," "Barker" is more absurd and goofy than it is broadly funny, but it's definitely not as mainstream.

VarietyBrian Lowry

Another clever single-camera comedy.

Hollywood ReporterBarry Garron

The show has a complex rhythm involving characters, satire and sight gags. You can watch "Barker" again and find things you missed the first time.

Los Angeles TimesRobert Lloyd

It's funny, but it doesn't go for big laughs so much as a mood of whimsical parody.

The New York TimesVirginia Heffernan

This peculiar series seals NBC’s new role as the skinflint’s HBO. The shows “30 Rock,” “Friday Night Lights” and now “Andy Barker, P.I.” are all so engrossing and so creatively untrammeled that it’s almost suspicious.

LA WeeklyRobert Abele

Don’t get me wrong, I like the new show: its workmanlike verve, its professionalism. But its joys are simple, the kind of laughs that don’t feel new so much as pleasantly old-fashioned.

New York MagazineJohn Leonard

You may be surprised to hear that it works.

San Jose Mercury NewsCharlie McCollum

A smart, sophisticated spoof.

Chicago Sun-TimesDoug Elfman

NBC should consider scrapping Thursday's first episode.... But then come the second and third installments -- inspired, taut and funny.

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

Everything about "Andy Barker"... is lovingly created. And there are some laughs, but the show fails to truly catch fire.

Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall

Unfortunately, the idea's a little too thin to support a weekly sitcom.