Leg Work

Synopsis

Set in New York City, the series follows Claire McCarron, a former Assistant D.A. turned private investigator. She is the daughter of a policeman, drives a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and often struggles financially with her fledgling detective agency. Her brother, NYPD lieutenant Fred McCarron, is played by Patrick James Clarke, and Frances McDormand portrays Willie Pipal, a friend still working for the DA's office.

Reaction and ratings

Critical reception was mixed, with the series described as having a somewhat leering tone but also called the best and brightest of CBS' new series. Some critics saw it as an extension of Margaret Colin's earlier short-lived lawyer sitcom Foley Square.

Before its premiere, critics predicted a quick cancellation due to its Saturday night slot opposite NBC's The Golden Girls and Amen. Ratings were dismal; Leg Work ranked within the bottom five network shows every week it aired, and in its final week it placed last among 71 ranked shows. Despite its brief run, the series aired in the UK on ITV in spring 1988 and on Network 10 in Australia.

Did You Know?

• Margaret Colin was a policeman's daughter in real life, just like her character Claire McCarron.
• The series aired in the UK on ITV in Spring 1988, usually in a late Friday night slot.