The original concept for the series was an
Odd Couple–style situation comedy called ''Don't Ask'', with Goodman as "Rex", sharing his
West Hollywood apartment with college friend David (
Anthony LaPaglia). Although the pilot was well-received, creators Bonnie and Terry Turner felt that the premise was not strong enough for an ongoing series. LaPaglia's character was written out and the series was relocated to Ohio. The show was most notable for the divisions it exposed regarding American culture's view of
homosexuality. Gamble is an average
blue collar bear-type gay man, with many traits typical of American
masculinity, including a love of
football and beer, and very few of the traits
stereotypically associated with gay men. Nevertheless, his sexuality itself was signified in part by isolated moments of more stereotypically gay behavior, such as singing snippets of Broadway show tunes and helping his sister to color her hair, that were seemingly at odds with the way his character was presented most of the time. As a result, some media outlets dismissed Goodman's role as unrealistic. Goodman won the
People's Choice Award for Best Actor in a New Comedy Series, but up against the second half hour of
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, it flopped in the
Nielsen ratings. Twelve episodes of the series were made, but only seven were aired before its cancellation. Goodman appeared on the cover of
TV Guide's 2000 Fall Preview issue, along with three other actors starring in new sitcoms:
Geena Davis,
Bette Midler and
Michael Richards. The magazine proclaimed them a "fab foursome", but none of the shows were a hit. (In the 2001 Fall Preview issue, the 2000 cover was re-printed with thought balloons over the actors' heads, with Goodman's saying, "Even I didn't buy me as a gay dad!") ==Cast==