Initially Matt was not the focus of ongoing storylines, a situation that would not substantially change until the series became a serial drama in its second season.

In contrast to the promiscuous sexual behaviour and relationship issues that drove the stories for Melrose's heterosexual characters, Matt's storylines tended to be about subjects like gay bashing and workplace discrimination.

Broadcaster Fox and series creator Darren Star feared backlash from social conservatives and advertisers should Matt engage in any sexual conduct.

[1] While working at Wilshire Memorial, Matt meets Katya Petrova (Beata Pozniak), a Russian doctor who expresses a romantic interest in him.

Matt does not reciprocate her feelings, but they enter into a green card marriage so Katya and her daughter Nikki (Mara Wilson) can stay in the United States.

When his drug addiction becomes known, he enters a rehabilitation facility and becomes romantically involved with rehab director Dan Hathaway (Greg Evigan).

[8] Matt's niece Chelsea (Katie Wright) comes to live with him after her father dies, but her mother Denise (Nancy Lee Grahn) files a custody suit.

In the 1994 episode "Til Death Do Us Part", Matt is attracted to Rob (Ty Miller), a friend of neighbor Billy Campbell's (Andrew Shue), who returns his interest.

As aired, Matt and Rob move toward each other in slow motion and, just before their lips meet, the scene shifts to a reaction shot of a shocked Billy watching them from his apartment before cutting back to the men separating.

[15] Fox executives were mindful of the controversy that had surrounded "Strangers", a 1989 episode of the ABC television series thirtysomething which showed two men in bed together after having had sex.

The two did not come in physical contact with each other, but five of the show's regular sponsors still shunned the episode, costing the network approximately $1.5 million in advertising revenue.

[16] Fox Entertainment Group president Sandy Grushow asserted that the network would have lost a million dollars in advertising revenue.

"[1] Co-executive producer Aaron Spelling, who had faced similar fights over gay-inclusiveness in productions like Dynasty and HeartBeat, concurred, saying, "We've not been allowed by the sales department to do things we want to do.

"[1] Actor Doug Savant expressed frustration with the limitations placed on the role, saying "While I would like Matt's character to have more teeth, he's definitely a good, ethical guy.

[18] Doug Savant playing Matt Fielding appears as a character in the 2015 Lifetime Television film The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story.

star Jason Beghe) was edited out for fear of advertiser backlash against the idea that yes, gay people exist and — gasp — sometimes even kiss!