The King of Queens

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]