David E. Kelley's Quirky Drama Survived Four Seasons In TV's Friday Night Death Slot
TVLine • • entertainment
Key Points:
- David E. Kelley's 1992 CBS drama "Picket Fences" defied the challenges of the notorious "Friday night death slot," airing on Friday evenings yet managing to build a dedicated audience over its four-year run until 1996.
- Despite modest ratings compared to rival shows, "Picket Fences" received critical acclaim, earning 27 Emmy nominations and winning 14, including consecutive Outstanding Drama Series awards in 1993 and 1994.
- The show’s strong performances, particularly by stars like Kathy Baker—who won a Golden Globe in 1994—and Kelley's storytelling prowess helped maintain a supportive mid-tier audience, allowing it to survive a difficult time slot.
- The "Friday night death slot" is challenging for TV shows due to viewers often engaging in non-TV activities, but "Picket Fences" proved that a loyal audience can help a show thrive despite unfavorable scheduling.
- Currently, "Picket Fences" is not available for free streaming, contributing to its diminished presence in contemporary cultural discussions.
