Writing in "USA Today", Matt Roush encouraged readers to watch the low-rated show, saying that families should watch it rather than "that interchangeable T.G.I.F. tripe". He said, "Brisco is mighty lavish but even more mightily loony, happily saddled with broad sight gags and tortured puns." Bruce Fretts of "Entertainment Weekly" speculated that mainstream success eluded the show because of its mixing of genres. He said, ""Brisco" refuses to behave like a normal Western, mixing in sci-fi, slapstick, and... kung fu." "Chicago Tribune"'s Scott Williams praised "Brisco" for its "strong supporting cast" and "superb physical comedy and crisp dialogue". He said the show should have been a hit, but that the Friday night time slot hampered its ratings.