Series protagonist Nick Fallin is a corporate attorney sentenced to 1,500 hours of community service with Legal Services of Pittsburgh as the result of a drug conviction. The plot focuses on Nick's community service as a guardian ad litem and recovery from drug addiction, as well as his strained relationship with his father, who was founder and is managing partner of the corporate law firm where Nick is employed full-time.
Cast and characters
Main cast
Simon Baker as Nicholas "Nick" Fallin, a lawyer sentenced to community service for drug-related crimes. The central protagonist, he is a driven individual whose work and relationships are the focus for the series.
Dabney Coleman as Burton Fallin, Nick's father and senior partner at the law firm where Nick works. Another central protagonist, they do not have a close relationship. He fosters Shannon Gressler.
Alan Rosenberg as Alvin Masterson, the head of Legal Services of Pittsburgh, where Nick serves his community service. Alvin dates Laurie Solt, a social worker.
Wendy Moniz as Louisa "Lulu" Archer, Nick's de facto boss from mid-season one and his main love interest. She marries another man, but Nick can't seem to move on, partially because she can't seem to either, even after her marriage.
Raphael Sbarge as Jake Straka, Nick's closest friend and a law colleague.
Charles Malik Whitfield as James Mooney, an attorney at Legal Services of Pittsburgh and a friend of Nick. He has a gang and drug background.
Rusty Schwimmer as Barbara Ludinski, the secretary for Legal Aid where Nick is doing his community service. Jake has an ongoing somewhat ambiguous relationship with her that teeters on the edge of becoming romantic. He likes and respects her but he remains tentative.
Erik Estrada made a cameo appearance in a restaurant in season 3, episode 18, "The Bachelor Party".
Joseph Campanella as Ralph Longo, the sick grandfather evicted from the home he had squatted in for 21 years, in season 3's episode 9, "Let God Sort 'Em Out."
Aaron Paul as a gay teenager in the season-one episode "The Men From The Boys"
Chloë Grace Moretz as Violet in the season-three episodes "The Watchers" and "Blood in, Blood Out". This was her first ever acting role.
Anna Gunn as Meghan Barstow, a lawyer for a pharmaceutical firm in season one episodes "Home" and "Reunion".
Viola Davis as Suzanna Clemons' attorney in the season-one episode "The Men From The Boys".
Kerry Washington as Drea Westbrook a client in season two, episode four "The Next Life".
Production and location
The show was set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was filmed in the city from time to time. Beginning in season 2, the theme song was "Empire in My Mind" performed by The Wallflowers. The fictional offices of Legal Services of Pittsburgh are located at 121-123 Seventh Street, Pittsburgh, while Fallin & Fallin's offices are located at Frick Building, 437 Grant Street, Pittsburgh.
Episodes
Home media
has released all three seasons of The Guardian on DVD in region 1. On February 6, 2018, CBS Home Entertainment released The Guardian- The Complete Series on DVD in region 1.