On this day May 13, 1989, ABC aired the final episode of A Man Called Hawk, a short-lived but impactful crime drama starring Avery Brooks as the mysterious and principled title character. The series was a spinoff of the popular show Spenser For Hire, where the character of Hawk had already become a fan favorite for his commanding presence and moral code. The show also starred Moses Gunn and explored urban justice, identity and honor through a sharp, streetwise lens.
A Man Called Hawk ran for one season with a total of 13 episodes. Set in Washington, D.C., the series followed Hawk as he took on cases that involved helping the vulnerable, righting wrongs and taking down criminals with a calm but forceful approach. The show stood out for its serious tone, stylized visuals and jazz infused atmosphere.
Although it had a brief run, the series helped pave the way for stronger Black lead roles in television dramas and remains a cult favorite among fans of late 80s television.
Fun fact: Avery Brooks was one of the first Black actors to lead a dramatic prime time series on a major network, later becoming even more well known for his role as Captain Sisko on Star Trek Deep Space Nine.
A Man Called Hawk ran for one season with a total of 13 episodes. Set in Washington, D.C., the series followed Hawk as he took on cases that involved helping the vulnerable, righting wrongs and taking down criminals with a calm but forceful approach. The show stood out for its serious tone, stylized visuals and jazz infused atmosphere.
Although it had a brief run, the series helped pave the way for stronger Black lead roles in television dramas and remains a cult favorite among fans of late 80s television.
Fun fact: Avery Brooks was one of the first Black actors to lead a dramatic prime time series on a major network, later becoming even more well known for his role as Captain Sisko on Star Trek Deep Space Nine.
