The King of Queens

Not too original, but the cast makes this King more than a commoner.

What King adds is better writing (particularly in next week's funnier episode), a better cast and a more affectionate tone. The only real false notes are struck by Doug's friends, a standard-issue gang of fools and louts who could have dropped in from any sitcom. [21 Sept 1998, p.1D]

But what makes this show different is Jerry Stiller. George Costanza's father is now Doug Heffernan's father-in-law. And what a riot he is. [21 Sept 1998, p.B23]

Demonstrates how funny writing and good execution can supersede a hackneyed series concept. [21 Sept 1998, p.F1]

Stiller may not be enough to save this pack of wrongheaded cliches, but it will be fun watching him try. [21 Sept 1998, p.1E]

The King of Queens isn't master of its time slot yet, but with consistent writing, it could follow in the tradition of The Honeymooners. [20 Sept 1998, p.F1]

As the lead character, actor Kevin James has a certain something. We just hope it's not contagious. [21 Sept 1998, p.G-05]

It has heart but no teeth, charm without chutzpah. [21 Sept 1998, p.46]

The King of Queens proves that a full house isn't always a winning hand. [21 Sept 1998, p.C10]

King grows on us, and there are laughs that are not nearly as predictable as the premise. [21 Sept 1998, p.75]

Mr. James, whose dirigible build strains at the seams of a dumb-looking deliveryman's outfit, looks as though he could grow into the lead role. But King will be hard-pressed to find an audience of like-minded men. They'll all be watching Monday Night Football. Ain't that a kick in the head. [21 Sept 1998, p.6C]

James has some huggy-bear appeal as a latter-day Ralph Kramden, but "King" - like most new comedies and unlike "The Honeymooners" - too often tries for belly laughs by going for the groin. [21 Sept 1998, p.1E]

The performers are pleasant enough, and Ms. Remini almost gives Carrie some zing. But they can't overcome the stale setup.

Contrary to the volume of the laugh track, the script produces little more than an occasional chuckle...CBS would like you to believe that James is the next breakout star, similar to Ray Romano a year ago. Anything's possible, but that would seem like a stretch big enough to astound an aerobics instructor. [21 Sept 1998]

Stiller was a last-minute addition to the cast, and the series looks like it will be refocused as a result turning the spotlight his way, much like Jaleel White's Urkel pulled the rug out from the original concept of ABC's "Family Matters." CBS would gladly accept that eventuality if "The King of Queens" draws similarly large audiences, but any hopes of it turning into a modern-day "Honeymooners" are likely to vanish as a result. [21 Sept 1998, p.70]

A run-of-the-mill family comedy that wants to be the show that follows it, "Everybody Loves Raymond," but ends up more like a wan wannabe. [21 Sept 1998, p.C9]

Bathroom is an apt description of the humor level and the language. [21 Sept 1998, p.1]

Stiller, a late replacement for the originally cast Jack Carter, is too crude, too crazy and too cantankerous to be tolerable in anything but the smallest doses. Doug and Carrie can take him; we can't. [21 Sept 1998, p.32]

For what seems like the hundredth time, the network's nitwitty entertainment division is trying to go the blue-collar route, but the show comes off as neither authentic nor amusing, just another lame exercise in recyclery. [21 Sept 1998, p.D01]

With appalling canards about toilet training and the heftiness of Hillary Clinton's behind, it doesn't really matter if, like Raymond, the show focuses on a family in Queens, or that stars Kevin James and Leah Remini actually project a modicum of appeal. [21 Sept 1998, p.C05]

Slightly dumb, big-hearted guy just wants to be left alone with his wife and big-screen TV. Flat writing and formula acting do little to advance such a hackneyed plot. [21 Sept 1998, p.1C]