Introduction to the TV Series “Picket Fences” (1992–1996)

“Picket Fences” is an American family drama television series created and produced by David E. Kelley, aired on CBS from September 18, 1992, to June 26, 1996. Set in the fictional small town of Rome, Wisconsin, the series masterfully blends drama, mystery, comedy, and social commentary, offering a unique and profound perspective on life in small-town America. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast led by Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker, “Picket Fences” explores bizarre crimes, quirky community dynamics, and daringly tackles sensitive social issues, from abortion and homosexuality to euthanasia and constitutional rights. The show won 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 1993 and 1994, a Golden Globe Award, and numerous other nominations, establishing itself as a landmark of 1990s television, cherished as a cult classic with a devoted fanbase.

Basic Information About the Series

• Title: Picket Fences
• Creator/Executive Producer: David E. Kelley
• Main Cast:
  • Tom Skerritt as Sheriff Jimmy Brock
  • Kathy Baker as Dr. Jill Brock
  • Holly Marie Combs as Kimberly Brock
  • Justin Shenkarow as Matthew Brock
  • Adam Wylie as Zachary Brock
  • Lauren Holly as Deputy Maxine Stewart
  • Costas Mandylor as Deputy Kenny Lacos
  • Fyvush Finkel as Attorney Douglas Wambaugh
  • Ray Walston as Judge Henry Bone
  • Zelda Rubinstein as Dispatcher Ginny Weedon
  • Kelly Connell as Coroner Carter Pike
  • Don Cheadle as District Attorney John Littleton (Seasons 2–4)
  • Marlee Matlin as Mayor Laurie Bey (Seasons 3–4, recurring guest)
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Comedy, Family
• Duration: Approximately 42 minutes per episode
• Seasons and Episodes: 4 seasons, 88 episodes
• Original Run: September 18, 1992 – June 26, 1996
• Network: CBS
• Filming Location: Exteriors filmed in Monrovia, California; interiors shot at studios in Los Angeles
• Rating: TV-PG (suitable for most audiences, though some episodes address mature themes like murder, sexuality, and ethics)
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Awards:
  • 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series (1993, 1994), Outstanding Lead Actor (Tom Skerritt, 1993), Outstanding Lead Actress (Kathy Baker, 1993, 1995, 1996), and Outstanding Supporting Actor (Fyvush Finkel, 1994)
  • 1 Golden Globe Award for Kathy Baker (Best Actress in a Drama Series, 1993)
  • Multiple nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild of America, and Writers Guild of America
• Language: English
• Production Companies: David E. Kelley Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
• Music: Stewart Levin

Plot Summary

“Picket Fences” centers on the Brock family in Rome, Wisconsin—a seemingly idyllic small town with iconic white picket fences, yet a stage for bizarre, humorous, and sometimes unsettling events. The core of the series is Sheriff Jimmy Brock (Tom Skerritt), a dedicated lawman striving to maintain order in a chaotic community. His wife, Dr. Jill Brock (Kathy Baker), is the town’s physician, often grappling with complex medical and ethical dilemmas, from treating patients to making life-and-death decisions. The couple has three children: Kimberly (Holly Marie Combs), a teenager navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence; Matthew (Justin Shenkarow), a mischievous but kind-hearted boy; and Zachary (Adam Wylie), the sensitive and insightful youngest child, who often offers innocent yet profound perspectives.

Each episode presents a standalone story that weaves together social, medical, political, legal, and criminal elements, reflecting the complexities of 1990s American society. Rome is a place where the extraordinary happens, from exploding cow udders and a serial bather sneaking into homes to murders during community theater productions or a student bringing a severed hand to school for show-and-tell. As Matthew Brock quips, “Things happen here!” The series fearlessly tackles controversial issues, including abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, cloning, school bullying, elder care, religious freedom, and constitutional rights, all handled with nuance and sensitivity, encouraging viewers to reflect without imposing judgments.

Beyond the Brock family, Rome is populated with a vibrant ensemble of characters:

• Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel), an eccentric but brilliant defense attorney who thrives on courtroom theatrics.
• Judge Henry Bone (Ray Walston), a stern yet fair judge whose rulings are both insightful and humane.
• Deputy Maxine Stewart (Lauren Holly) and Kenny Lacos (Costas Mandylor), who bring humor and youthful energy to the sheriff’s office.
• Ginny Weedon (Zelda Rubinstein), the dispatcher with a distinctive voice, adding a lovable quirk to the series.
• Later additions like District Attorney John Littleton (Don Cheadle) and Mayor Laurie Bey (Marlee Matlin) deepen the narrative in subsequent seasons.

The show balances personal stories—such as Kimberly’s coming-of-age struggles, Jimmy and Jill’s marital tensions, or heartwarming family moments—with criminal investigations and gripping courtroom drama, creating a rich tapestry of small-town life that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Highlights of the Series

1. Innovative and Thought-Provoking Writing: Created by David E. Kelley, one of the most acclaimed writers of the 1990s (later known for Ally McBeal and Boston Legal), “Picket Fences” stands out for its seamless blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary. Each episode poses profound questions about morality, justice, and society, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions. As Tom Skerritt noted in a 1992 Detroit Free Press interview, “David Kelley has a unique way of storytelling, showing you things, informing you, and letting you make up your own mind.” The balance of humor and seriousness became a hallmark of the series.
2. Outstanding Performances: The ensemble cast is a cornerstone of the show’s success:
   • Tom Skerritt delivers a grounded, relatable portrayal of Jimmy Brock, a steadfast sheriff who anchors both his family and the community.
   • Kathy Baker brings emotional depth to Jill Brock, a compassionate doctor facing ethical dilemmas, earning three Emmy Awards for her performance.
   • Holly Marie Combs shines as Kimberly, authentically capturing the highs and lows of teenage life, from first loves to school pressures.
   • Fyvush Finkel steals scenes as Douglas Wambaugh, an eccentric, passionate attorney whose courtroom antics are both hilarious and memorable, earning him an Emmy.
   • Ray Walston adds gravitas to Judge Henry Bone, a stern but humane figure whose rulings leave a lasting impact.
   • Supporting actors like Lauren Holly, Costas Mandylor, Zelda Rubinstein, Don Cheadle, and Marlee Matlin contribute vibrancy and diversity to the cast.
3. Bold Exploration of Sensitive Topics: “Picket Fences” was a trailblazer in tackling controversial issues like gay rights, euthanasia, abortion, religious freedom, and cloning at a time when such topics were rarely addressed on network television. The series places characters in complex moral and legal situations, prompting viewers to reflect on challenging ethical questions. A religious organization once criticized the show for “blasphemy,” highlighting its provocative nature and cultural impact.
4. Memorable and Quirky Storylines: The series’ blend of absurd and serious plots is a defining feature. Standout stories include:
   • A man riding a circus elephant into town to protect it from abuse.
   • A farmer suing a neighbor for getting his cows drunk.
   • A case involving a woman claiming to be a witch.
   • A student bringing a severed hand to school for show-and-tell. These eccentric narratives are balanced by poignant moments, such as family conflicts, intense courtroom battles, or stories of forgiveness and compassion.
5. Cinematic Quality: Filmed in Monrovia, California, the series uses its small-town setting to evoke a sense of Americana. The iconic white picket fences symbolize stability, contrasting with the chaos of the town’s events. The cinematography and production design highlight Rome’s warm yet unsettling atmosphere, creating a setting that feels both familiar and unique.
6. Awards and Recognition: With 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 1993 and 1994, and a Golden Globe for Kathy Baker, “Picket Fences” was celebrated for its writing, acting, and direction. It remains a cult classic, cherished for its creativity and enduring relevance.
7. Music and Atmosphere: The score by Stewart Levin enhances the emotional impact of scenes, from tender family moments to dramatic courtroom showdowns. The combination of music, small-town setting, and David E. Kelley’s storytelling creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and unpredictable, keeping viewers engaged.
8. Humanity and Connection: Beyond its cases and social issues, “Picket Fences” is a story about family and community. The heartfelt interactions between the Brock family members—from candid conversations to minor conflicts—offer relatability and authenticity, making the characters deeply endearing.

Audience and Critical Reception

• Positive Feedback: Critics and audiences praised “Picket Fences” for its intelligent writing, exceptional performances, and ability to balance humor and drama. An IMDb review raves, “Week after week, this show tossed out thought-provoking questions in all areas of our society—medical, criminal, religious, philosophical… Is there ANY show on TV now that comes close to this?” On platforms like Reddit, fans reminisce about its “crazy plot lines” and “90s small-town slice of life with just enough weirdness.” The series’ non-judgmental approach and thought-provoking narratives earned it a loyal fanbase.
• Critical Reviews: Some viewers noted challenges with inconsistent viewership, partly due to its Friday night time slot, resulting in modest Nielsen rankings (63rd in Season 1, 61st in Season 2). When David E. Kelley reduced his involvement in Seasons 3 and 4, some felt the writing quality dipped, with storylines becoming overly eccentric or less cohesive, contributing to the show’s end after four seasons. Critics occasionally pointed out that the humorous plots sometimes overshadowed the serious themes.
• Cultural Impact: “Picket Fences” left a significant mark on 1990s pop culture. A planned crossover with The X-Files was canceled due to network differences (CBS vs. Fox), but the series completed two crossovers with Chicago Hope, another David E. Kelley creation, boosting the appeal of both shows. An Indian adaptation, Kehta Hai Dil, aired on StarPlus from 2002 to 2005, though it diverged significantly from the original. The series influenced later character-driven dramas like Gilmore Girls and Friday Night Lights, setting a standard for tackling social issues on television.

Cultural Context and Significance

Premiering during a transformative era for American television alongside shows like Twin Peaks (1990–1991) and Northern Exposure (1990–1995), “Picket Fences” stood out for its bold approach to social issues and its fusion of drama, comedy, and mystery. The series reflected the cultural tensions of 1990s America, from debates over individual rights and religious freedom to conflicts between tradition and modernity. Its willingness to address topics like homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, and cloning was groundbreaking, making it a catalyst for social dialogue through television. This boldness, combined with David E. Kelley’s unique storytelling, established “Picket Fences” as a pivotal milestone in TV history.

Where to Watch

“Picket Fences” is available on various platforms, depending on your region:

• Streaming:
  • Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home: Available for purchase by episode or season.
  • Hulu: The series was available in the U.S. from Thanksgiving 2021 to Thanksgiving 2023; check for current availability.
• DVD:
  • Season 1 was released in Region 1 (U.S.) on June 19, 2007, by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.
  • Seasons 1–3 were released in Australia (Season 1: August 2014, Season 2: December 2014, Season 3: March 2016).
  • A complete 24-DVD boxset (PAL, Region 0) is available in Germany.
• Free Options: No free streaming options are currently available, but check platforms like Plex, Roku, or Tubi for updates.

If you encounter regional restrictions, consider using a VPN (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN) to access content.

Target Audience

“Picket Fences” appeals to viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas with a mix of humor, mystery, and social commentary. Its TV-PG rating makes it suitable for most audiences, though some episodes address mature themes like murder, sexuality, and ethical dilemmas, making it ideal for teens and adults. Fans of Twin Peaks, Northern Exposure, Gilmore Girls, or David E. Kelley’s later works (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal) will be captivated by its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and emotionally rich narratives.

Comparison to Similar Shows

• Compared to Twin Peaks (1990–1991): Both feature quirky small-town settings with unusual events, but “Picket Fences” focuses on real-world issues like law and ethics rather than supernatural elements, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
• Compared to Northern Exposure (1990–1995): Both explore community dynamics, but “Picket Fences” leans into legal and criminal drama, while Northern Exposure emphasizes philosophical and spiritual themes with lighter humor.
• Compared to David E. Kelley’s Other Works: Unlike Ally McBeal (legal comedy) or Boston Legal (legal drama), “Picket Fences” balances family, community, and legal elements, creating a versatile and distinctive narrative style.

Conclusion

“Picket Fences” is a timeless gem of 1990s television, offering a profound and emotionally resonant look at small-town America through the Brock family and the vibrant community of Rome, Wisconsin. With its perfect blend of comedy, drama, mystery, and social commentary, the series entertains while posing deep questions about morality, justice, and humanity. Despite ending over two decades ago, “Picket Fences” remains captivating thanks to its stellar cast, intelligent writing, and unpredictable storylines. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves high-quality television and meaningful storytelling.

Step into the strange yet enchanting world of Rome, Wisconsin, and join Sheriff Jimmy Brock and his family as they navigate life’s most peculiar challenges! Have you watched “Picket Fences”? Which episode or moment left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!