(CNN) -- NBC's "Constantine" joined the growing party of comic book-based TV series with its Friday night premiere on NBC. But critics couldn't quite agree on whether it was worth staying home (or even DVRing) to catch it.

Matt Ryan stars as John Constantine, a rebellious and not very likable exorcist with an affinity for trench coats and cigarettes -- at least, that's how he appears in "Hellblazer," the DC comic book upon which the show is based. To adhere to network standards, Constantine ditches his bad habit for TV, a source of contention for Hitfix.com critic Alan Sepinwall and others.

"The absence of John's most physically self-destructive habit is symbolic of a larger issue," he said. "And as John will tell anyone who listens... symbols have meaning, and when you take them away, you can take away the power they represent."

'Constantine' adds to TV's comic-book trend

That's not all that worries critics about Constantine, who introduces the real world of demons and ghouls in the premiere. Fans and critics believe Ryan's performance will make this show sink or swim, similar to Hugh Laurie on "House" or Benedict Cumberbatch on "Sherlock." For some of them, it's not looking good.

"Ryan is a particular problem, I'm sorry to say," Vulture's Matt Zoller Seitz said. "I don't know if he was miscast or poorly directed, but something about his grooming, makeup, and line delivery make him sound like (and sometimes resemble) Jim Carrey in comic high-dudgeon mode."

Others, however, took a more positive view of his performance.

1. What show premiered?
2. on what network?
3. Do critics like it?
4. Who plays the main character?
5. and who does he play?
6. What is the show based on?
7. which is?
8. What does he have an affinity for?
9. and?
10. Who sounds like Jim Carey?
11. who said this?
12. What does Hugh Laurie play on?
13. what does Cumberbatch play in?
14. Is John's habit missing in the show?
15. why was it ditched?

Numbered answers:
1. Constantine
2. NBC
3. no
4. Matt Ryan
5. ohn Constantine
6. Hellblazer
7. DC comic book
8. trench coats
9. cigarettes
10. Ryan
11. Matt Zoller Seitz
12. House
13. Sherlock
14. yes
15. symbolic of a larger issue