"Detour" was generally well received on its initial release, with positive reviews in the "Los Angeles Times", "The Hollywood Reporter", "Variety" in other major newspapers and trade publications. Contemporary screenings of "Detour" were also not confined to grindhouse theaters; they were presented at top "movie houses". For example, in downtown Los Angeles in May 1946, it played at the 2,200-seat Orpheum in combination with a live stage show featuring the hit Slim Gaillard Trio and the Buddy Rich Orchestra. Business was reported to be excellent despite a transit strike.