With an attitude that is nine parts Northern Exposure and one part Twin Peaks, Maximum Bob qualifies as one of the best hourlong shows that ABC has uncorked since NYPD Blue. [4 Aug 1998, p.1C]

Wonderfully warped...Expect both sly satire and big belly laughs from this summer treat. [4 Aug 1998]

Good weird. [3 Aug 1998]

Whether it eventually runs out of storytelling steam or becomes a surprise hit like former hot-weather rookie "Northern Exposure," the engagingly bodacious Maximum Bob sure beats another numb summer rerun. Here comes the jive-talking judge! [3 Aug 1998, p.1D]

The whole thing is laid out with the comic visual sensibility Sonnenfeld brought to films such as "Raising Arizona" and "Throw Momma From the Train" as a cinematographer and "Men in Black" as a director. It's a welcome change from the cookie-cutter stuff one normally sees in prime-time, but you do sort of wonder what brought Sonnenfeld to TV, a medium not known for its nuance and subtlety. [4 Aug 1998, p.33]

If Maximum Bob can maintain its off-kilter inventiveness, it could build a following.

But by the third episode, Maximum Bob turns into minimal entertainment. The plot contrivances become strained beyond repair, and the farcical edge is blunted. [4 Aug 1998, p.1C]