I used to enjoy this show when it first aired. Watching it decades later I feel that it hasn't aged well. I also find it too preachy, the writers really shove their opinions down the viewers throats. A lot of the subject matters seem silly today, at least to me as a Scandinavian. (but judging by the comments here it seems that this show is still controversial to some people).Some of the stuff still works, the small absurd things, but all the politics really date the show.Perhaps interesting as a time document, but to a modern viewer a lot of the show feels awkward.

I watched this show during its original run and have always looked for it on DVD. As another commenter noted, there's a lot of schlock out there on DVD while this excellent show languishes in the digital files. My favorite actor was Fyvish Finkel; mostly because I read that he had been acting since the days of Yiddish theater in NYC. How's that for tradition? He reminded me of many of the central Europeans I got to know when I lived in Cleveland,Ohio. I was also much taken by Tom Skerrit and have watched for him ever since this show ended. I loved the issues raised by the show because they were real ones that nobody wants to address; nothing is black and white, one or the other in human life. The show had the integrity to say that. In this current time of right wing/left wing, nothing in the center, Picket Fences reruns are soothing and reassuring.

I've only recently purchased and viewed season one and have to admit that I am now addicted. I am so sorry that I never watched the show while it was on TV. Now that I have been exposed with only Season One, I can hardly wait until the remaining three seasons are available. Does anyone know when (or if) the release of the remaining seasons will be coming out? I am not sure if this is where I should even be asking this question. But, I am willing to try anything to find a suitable media for viewing the remaining three seasons. So, if you know where I can obtain more of the episodes, e-mail me at [email protected] in advance for any response.

With all the pap that's passing for entertainment these days, this show stands out all the more. Week after week this show tossed out thought provoking questions in all areas of our society - medical, criminal, religious, philosophical - any aspect of our society and lives was fair game. And it wrapped these questions around the lives of a hugely talented cast of fully realized characters. The show also had the courage to not play it safe. It routinely tackled "hot button" issues from abortion, to homosexuality, to belief in God, to constitutional protection of rights. Is there ANY show on TV now that comes close to this??Ironically, I "discovered" this show while on vacation in the Midwest when I came across a full page advertisement by a religious organization, decrying it's blasphemy. The advertisement described some of the situations dealt with in the show - and I knew right away this was a show for me.Entertaining, intelligent, funny, exciting, involving. If they ever get around to releasing the 5 seasons on DVD - jump on it!