Kate Brasher

Kate Brasher is an American dramatic television series that was broadcast by CBS. It premiered at 9:00pm ET/PT on Saturday, February 24, 2001 and was cancelled after six episodes. The title character was the single mother of teenaged sons Daniel and Elvis. Facing a financial crisis, she seeks legal advice at Brothers Keepers, an inner city community advocacy center, and is offered a job as a social worker. Her co-workers include attorney Abbie Schaeffer and Joe Almeida, the organization's street-smart director, who founded it after his daughter was killed in gang crossfire. Series creator Stephen Tolkin based the character of Almeida on Rabbi Mark Borovitz, an ex-convict and alcoholic who became the spiritual leader of Gateways Beit T'Shuvah, a residential treatment center for Jews in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The two men met when Tolkin contacted the rabbi for help with a friend who was dealing with substance abuse. Although set in Santa Monica, the series was shot on location in San Diego, California. Among those actors making guest appearances during the series' short run were K Callan, Dennis Christopher, Paul Dooley, Mariette Hartley, Josh Hopkins, Carl Lumbly, David Naughton, and Mackenzie Phillips.

Directed by Stephen Tolkin, Kate Brasher leans on a strong ensemble — Mary Stuart Masterson, Rhea Perlman, Héctor Elizondo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2001.