Quality network drama mixing legal, family, and stranger-than-fiction weekly.
Why it matters
Episode guide
88 episodes across 4 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.
At a glance
A sheriff’s family navigates outrageous crimes and social issues in a quirky Wisconsin town. Tone-shifting drama that collected early-’90s Emmys.
Network & studio
- CBS — broadcast network
Why watch now
Watch for the cultural DNA of the 1990s — and the star power that made living rooms feel like red carpets.
Cultural impact
Quality network drama mixing legal, family, and stranger-than-fiction weekly.
Creators
David E. Kelley
Key cast
- Tom Skerritt as Jimmy Brock
- Kathy Baker as Jill Brock
- Lauren Holly as Maxine Stewart
- Costas Mandylor as Kenny Lacos
- Holly Marie Combs as Kimberly Brock
- Fyvush Finkel as Douglas Wambaugh
Flash facts
- Created by David E. Kelley; CBS 1992–1996.
- Won Outstanding Drama Series Emmys in its first two seasons.
- Blended courtroom, family, and bizarre case-of-the-week elements.
- Part of Kelley’s 1990s quality-TV hot streak.
FAQ
What network aired Picket Fences?
Picket Fences is associated with CBS (1992–1996).
Why is Picket Fences in the TV Flash top 100 for the 1990s?
Quality network drama mixing legal, family, and stranger-than-fiction weekly.
Who are the key names behind Picket Fences?
Creators and principals include David E. Kelley.
Official & further reading
External sites for further reading — TV Flash is not affiliated with these networks or studios.
Back to the decade
Also on the dial
Related & side shows
Touched by an Angel
Angels with case files — faith-based network drama as comfort appointment TV.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Woman doctor on the frontier — Saturday family drama with progressive tilt.
Walker, Texas Ranger
Chuck Norris roundhouse justice — sincere pulp that became meme archaeology.
JAG
Navy lawyers with jet fuel — procedural that quietly built a franchise navy.
Chicago Hope
ER’s rival hospital — prestige white coats on the other network.
Unsolved Mysteries
Robert Stack’s trench coat and that theme — true crime as living-room séance.