This is likely what network executives thought:
A) Matt LeBlanc is on Friends.
B) Friends is funny.
C) A+B means Matt LeBlanc is funny.
D) Let’s give Matt LeBlanc his own show, for it will be funny.
The problem with this line of reasoning, however, is that the third proposition is false. Hence, the entire thing instantly breaks down. Taking Joey out of New York City and away from his comic foils (especially Chandler), then moving him to Los Angeles and pitting him against his 20-year-old dorky nephew and Adriana from The Sopranos removed all the cute, clueless charm that made his character so lovable in the first place.