 A.A. Gill, in "The Sunday Times", wryly praised the style of humour and the reaction it provoked in viewers.Hermione Eyre of "The Independent on Sunday" called it "a delectable comedy of everyday embarrassment", but "unfortunately, "Lead Balloon" shows awkward joints where "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has invisible seams"; the reviewer cited Larry David as being a good man driven to obnoxious behaviour, whereas Spleen is just obnoxious.