writing for "variety", dennis harvey has mixed feeling about the script, praising mark burt’s balance of ‘the primary character trio’s unremarkable yet complex emotions, framing them in well-captured pub/construction site/family milieus.’ but felt that the ‘somewhat gratuitous running gag—glimpses of the titular, fictional chat show, a kinder-gentler "jerry springer"-type mix of real folks and hot-button topics—suddenly takes center stage.’ he added that this ‘good little movie abruptly grows loud, large and heavy-handed in the last reel.’ harvey praised the acting saying that ‘there’s much to enjoy here, particularly in the uniformly fine cast. … shepherd … is a real find, convincingly rendering david as withdrawn, laddish and lovesick all at once. apart from some killing-time interludes set to pop tunes, and the rather cheesy flash of horizontal-wipe scene transitions, helmer aisling walsh lends material both youthful breeziness and emotional weight.’