Also in 2006, he made a guest appearance in an episode of the NBC comedy "My Name Is Earl". In 2007, Olyphant starred in the romantic comedy "Catch and Release". He knew co-star Jennifer Garner from their days as struggling actors in New York, and was excited for the opportunity to play a romantic lead. Lael Loewenstein of "Variety" felt "Olyphant clearly has a bright future" while Desson Thomson of the "Washington Post" described him as "the strongest performer here" but that he was "entirely misplaced, an estimable actor caught in a thankless, frilly role." Scott Tobias of "The A.V. Club" remarked: "Olyphant's trademark volatility makes him a livelier romantic lead than the usual stuffed shirt." Similarly, Stephanie Zacharek of "Salon" found him "effective here precisely because he seems a little sharp and dangerous. He's not your typical cuddly romantic lead."