The Guardian (TV series)

The Guardian is an American legal drama television series created by David Hollander, which aired on CBS from September 25, 2001, to May 4, 2004. The series stars Simon Baker as Nick Fallin, a corporate lawyer sentenced to community service working at Legal Aid Services of Pittsburgh (LASP) after being arrested for drug use.

The show centers around Nick's struggles to balance his high-powered corporate life with his increasingly meaningful pro bono work, often dealing with difficult family law cases involving child custody, abuse, and neglect. Episodes frequently juxtapose Nick's handling of lucrative corporate deals with his representation of underprivileged clients, highlighting the moral and ethical complexities of his situation.

Other key characters include James Mooney (Charles Malik Whitfield), Nick's supervising attorney at LASP; Lulu Archer (Wendy Moniz), Nick's colleague and eventual romantic interest; and Burton Fallin (Dabney Coleman), Nick's estranged father and senior partner at the prestigious law firm where Nick works.

The Guardian explored themes of redemption, responsibility, the challenges of work-life balance, and the disparities within the American legal system. The series received positive reviews for its compelling storylines, strong performances, and its exploration of complex social issues. While critically praised, the show was cancelled after three seasons due to declining ratings.