[[quoteright:340:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fresno.jpg]]

A spoof of the {{Prime Time Soap}}s of the [[TheEighties '80s]], this comedic MiniSeries chronicles the lives of the Kensington family, and their struggle to survive in the cutthroat world of the raisin business. With all the scheming, backstabbing, twists and turns, it doesn't look good for them. But for the viewers, it's a hell of a good time.

Aired on Creator/{{CBS}} in 1986. The large EnsembleCast includes Creator/CarolBurnett, Creator/DabneyColeman, Creator/TeriGarr, Creator/CharlesGrodin, Creator/GregoryHarrison, Creator/RayeBirk, Creator/PatCorley, Creator/NatalieGregory, Creator/AnthonyHeald, Creator/JeffreyJones, Creator/LouiseLatham, Creator/ValerieMahaffey, Creator/BillPaxton, Creator/TomPoston, Creator/MichaelRichards, Creator/ToddSusman, and Creator/JerryVanDyke.

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!!This show contains examples of:
* AcmeProducts: Acme Toxic Waste is disposed of in the water supply.
* AffectionateParody: Particularly of shows like ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' and ''Series/{{Dynasty|1981}}''.
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: "These grapes taste like Fresno!"
* BrotherSisterIncest: Subverted. [[spoiler:Tiffany thinks she and Torch are related, due to Torch being Mr. Kensington's illegitimate son, and Tiffany being the daughter of Charlotte Kensington and Tyler Kane]], but Torch points out that doesn't mean they actually share parents between them.
* CatFight: {{Parodied| Trope}} by having it be like a knock down bar brawl.
* CoolCar: Averted. The cash strapped Kensingtons have a chauffeured ''Series/TheBradyBunch'' era station wagon instead of a limo. However, such as it is, it seems to be in good working order, keeping it out of AllegedCar territory
* CostumePorn: The gowns were very fancy (and got BobMackie an Emmy nomination), and this was given a nod InUniverse when Charlotte wondered if the family troubles meant they had to sell their things, and Cane assured he wouldn't sell their clothes.
* DistantPrologue: Spanish explorers first come to this place, and name it after how nasty the grapes taste.
* EverythingsSparklyWithJewelry
* IHaveNoSon: Subverted. At then end, Charlotte says this after she learns of Cane's betrayal, but then Cane reminds her of Kevin. So Charlotte amends that to she just has one son.
* JailBake: Parodied. A guard assumed this, and searched food brought to the prison for tools, while a lady behind him just handed a prisoner tools while the guard's back was turned.
* LukeIAmYourFather: Three times. Once with Torch, and twice when Tiffany finds out who her real mother and father are.
* NameOfCain: Cane Kensington, and Tyler Cane.
-->"I want you do something for me, Cane, if you're able."
* PrettyInMink: Couldn't properly spoof those shows without this. In one scene, Talon storms out on her husband, Cane, and looks through a closet of furs before settling on a lynx coat. She later wears the coat to try to seduce Torch.
* TheReveal: Some played straight and others played laughs.
* ShoutOut: In reference to the family's.. complex.. genealogy: "My God, Mama, this is worse than ''[[Series/Roots1977 Roots]]!''"
* TitleDrop: Parodied with the title being a word to describe how nasty the grapes taste.
* TheUnfavorite: At one point Charlotte wails that all of her children have abandoned her, with her adapted daughter still sitting right there at the table. And [[spoiler: it later turns out she actually is Charlotte's biological daughter.]]
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Every other time Torch appears.
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