Knightwatch

"Knightwatch" was a television drama aired by ABC as part of its fall 1988 lineup.

"Knightwatch" centered around the activities of the "Knights of the City", a volunteer group set up to assist law enforcement. It was comprised largely of ex-gang members (and was obviously modeled after a similar real-life group, the Guardian Angels); the program focused on its charismatic leader, Tony Maldonado (Benjamin Bratt). Operating out of donated space in the basement of a church, the group practiced martial arts and other unarmed techniques since they were not commissioned police officers and were not eligible to carry firearms. Keeping young people with violent pasts from reverting to this pattern in their new-found calling was a constant challenge to Tony, as were the interpersonal relationships constantly developing among his young colleagues.

"Knightwatch" was a Nielsen ratings failure, undoubtedly due to being forced to compete with NBC's The Cosby Show and A Different World and CBS's 48 Hours. It was cancelled after only 3 months on the air.

References

Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows"