The interplay with secondary characters like Bobbie (Jennifer Coolidge) and Alex (Andrea Anders) begins to feel more natural, helping the show find its footing outside of New York.
The episode holds a 7.8/10 on IMDb , reflecting a generally positive reception from fans during the first season. "Joey" Joey and the Book Club (TV Episode 2004) - IMDb
Critics note that while Matt LeBlanc remains charming, the writing occasionally struggles to match the peak of the original series. This episode, however, is often cited as a "good episode" of a "much-maligned" show.