"The Wall Street Journal" reviewed a host of Westerns from 1992 and 1993 and said that "Brisco" was "the most sheer fun of the bunch", calling it "a period piece with slick production values and a mix of drama and humor, fast pace and high camp". In an article on the 1993 television season, the "Toronto Star"s Greg Quill wrote that "Brisco" was a program that represented "American TV craft at the top of its form". In contrast, Elvis Mitchell of "Spin" magazine gave "Brisco" a scathing review, calling the show's premise a "tedious... rickety gimmick". Mitchell acknowledged the show's "quick reflexes", but said the humor was "uncomfortable" with a "cynical quickness". He added, ""Brisco County" relieves us of the burden of laughing. It spends too much time looking at itself in the mirror, admiring its own adorable dimpled half-smile."