SERIES / 1996

Swift Justice

Mac Swift is an ex-cop with his own way of enforcing justice.

Swift Justice is an American detective drama television series created by Dick Wolf and Richard Albarino, broadcast for one season (13 episodes) on UPN from March 13 to July 17, 1996. James McCaffrey stars as former Navy SEAL Mac Swift, a private investigator fired from the NYPD. He receives support from his former partner Detective Randall Patterson (Gary Dourdan) and his father Al Swift (Len Cariou). Critics noted the series' emphasis on violence, specifically in the pilot's opening sequence, drawing comparisons to The Equalizer (1985–1989) and Die Hard (1988). UPN canceled the program after receiving complaints from viewers, advertisers, and critics for its stark depiction of violence. Wolf considered the cancelation a mistake due to good ratings. Further, it was praised for its visuals and McCaffrey's performance, but often criticized as being either too violent or formulaic.