The Chimp Channel - Reception

Reception

While the training and animal work was commended, The Chimp Channel received largely negative critical reception with the notion that it fails its attempt to expand the simple, effective concept of Monkey-ed Movies. The New York Times' Caryn James gave a negative review of the show, stating "The Chimp Channel is so scattershot and predictable it becomes tiresome in about five minutes. . . And the brief parodies of television shows and movies offer mere glimpses of wit."

Ray Richmond of Variety described how the original Monkey-ed Movies "proved to be clever stuff, in large part because it was short and sweet" but that "with Chimp Channel, TBS monkeys with an undeniably thin concept and stretches it past the limit." While he commended the "sharp, well-organized direction from Mitchell Walker and the uncannily effective animal work from head trainer Bob Dunn, coordinator Mike Morris and their team," Richmond added "What seems cute in small doses feels awfully humiliating in this expanded format, sucking out any novelty and leaving in its wake only the uncomfortable entrails."

Tom Jicha of the Sun-Sentinel claimed "The Chimp Channel sounds a lot funnier than it turns out to be on the air. As an occasional brief skit on a show like Saturday Night Live or MADtv, The Chimp Channel might be entertaining." However, Jicha also provided additional insight into the series' predicament, pondering "TBS seems to have it's days and nights confused. Cleaned up of its occasional randy references - there's even a snarky shot at Monica Lewinsky - The Chimp Channel might work for the audience at 10 in the morning on Saturday. At 10 at night on Thursdays its a King Kong-sized loser."

Fan reception appears to be somewhat more positive; as of 2010, The Chimp Channel holds a 7.2/10 rating on the Internet Movie Database and 6.2 "Fair" on TV.com.