[4] A review of the premiere episode in the trade publication Variety found the kinescope flawed in comparison to live transmissions, which had been customary for many viewers on the East Coast.
"[6] Specifically the review mentioned "considerable haze" on the kinescope and excessive brightness that "at times washed out the action on the screen fringes".
[6] Beyond that problem, the review said that Armchair Detective "was as good as many eastern programs", holding interest for fans of mystery shows.
[6] A review in the trade publication Billboard said that the show's basic concept was sound, but "Even an armchair detective would have trouble finding a clue to any sort of entertainment in the program".
[7] In addition to having "two utterly trite and transparent stories", the review said , "the entire presentation ... acting, staging, lighting, script — was so dreadful as to be acutely embarrassing.