Fresno

FRESNO was a television rarity...a multi-part comedic TV miniseries. This near brilliant spoof of nighttime soaps like DALLAS and DYNASTY came right on time in 1986 when those shows were in their heyday. This laugh out loud miniseries followed the adventures of the Kensington family, the owner of the largest raisin dynasty in Fresno, California. The large and wonderful all-star cast included Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Anthony Heald, Bill Paxton, Michael Richards, Theresa Ganzel, Valerie Mahaffey, Melanie Chartoff, Pat Corley (Phil on "Murphy Brown")and despite the presence of all this comic talent, this entire mini series was stolen by Charles Grodin, in a brilliant comic turn as eldest son Cain Kensington. His JR Ewing take-off was perfectly executed comic genius and quite possibly Grodin's finest work on any screen anywhere. Just an exceptionally funny miniseries that stays fresh and hilarious throughout its extreme length. I, too used to have FRESNO on tape and lost it during a move. As another poster intimated, I too would gladly pay for a copy of FRESNO on VHS or DVD. If CBS hasn't put it on video it should be. A forgotten classic that is worthy of a second look for those who missed it the first time.

I am looking for a copy of this Show. This by far the funniest show I have ever seen. My favorite about this show is they take "class" and "refinement" and make a mockery of it. My favorite part of the show is the "Martini in the Face"

I have always thought that was so funny. It makes my stomach hurt.

If you have not seen this show I strongly recommend it if you like to laugh. I have been looking for it for 3 years and finally found this site. If anyone has this show on tape or DVD I would be ecstatic. Thanks Scott

My husband and I very much enjoyed all of the actors in the mini series. The entire film was beautifully directed and the cast was wonderful. We wish there was more television like this. Is there anyway that we can find out which network broadcast Fresno in 1986. We did attempt to record the series, but missed the last part. It would be great if the network would show the series again. Better yet, record it on VHS! We've been searching for this one for a long time.

If you remember this line out of the opening segment, then you're still laughing, as I am. For those who don't, the line refers to how the town got it's name: the Spanish explorers catching a whiff of a foul odor and asking what the smell is-"Smells like...FRESNO!" From Carol Burnet riding backwards in her station wagon to Gregory Harrison barechested with a white t-shirt stuffed in the back pocket of his jeans, this is without a doubt the finest spoof ever created. I would dearly love to see this movie on VHS. It would be a favorite in my house.

Normally parodies don't age well and become dated, but this one just keeps on giving, with quotes like.

"Blech, these grapes tastes like Fresno".

Billy Joe Bob (idiot) to court appointed (female) attorney, "I just want my wife to stay home, cook my food and have babies, you know, to be in her place. You can understand that, can't you ma'am?".

Same idiot, "Dang it, we shouldn't have killed Martha, we should have killed Kane" - (I'm not going to explain this one, just trust me, I'm laughing right now just thinking about it ... 19 years later.).

And lastly, never for get, "No, I hadn't thought of that .... until now!".

I would pay between $50 and $100 bucks for this one on DVD (a legit copy, that is).