Sidekicks (1986)
The ABC primetime action-adventure series pairing a young martial arts prodigy with a streetwise detective for 23 episodes of kicks, crime, and camaraderie.
Sidekicks - Series Information
- Original Title: Sidekicks
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1987
- Created by: Dan Gordon
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: O Pequeno Mestre (BR)
Sidekicks - Plot
'Sidekicks' is half-hourlong US action series that aired in primetime during the 1986–1987 television season on ABC. Its backdoor-pilot 'The Last Electric Knight' aired in Febuary 1986 as part of 'The Disney Sunday Movie' line-up on ABC. The series follows young martial arts expert Ernie Lee and his guardian, police detective Jake Rizzo.
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Sidekicks - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dan Gordon
Main Cast
- Ernie Reyes Jr.
- Gil Gerard
- Keye Luke
- Nancy Stafford
- Frank Bonner
- Vinny Argiro
- Giovanni Ribisi
- Richard Kline
- John McCook
- Magda Harout
Sidekicks - FAQs
How did Sidekicks get its start on ABC?
Sidekicks grew out of a backdoor pilot called The Last Electric Knight, which aired in February 1986 as part of The Disney Sunday Movie lineup on ABC. The strong reception led ABC to commission the full series, which debuted in primetime during the 1986–1987 television season.
Who are the main characters in Sidekicks?
The series centers on Ernie Lee, a gifted young martial artist played by Ernie Reyes Jr., and his guardian Jake Rizzo, a police detective portrayed by Gil Gerard. Their unlikely partnership drives the show's blend of action, humor, and heart across its single season run.
Where can you stream or watch Sidekicks today?
Sidekicks is a vintage 1980s series with limited current streaming availability. Viewing options may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date information on where to stream, rent, or buy episodes in your area.
Who created the Sidekicks TV series?
Sidekicks was created by Dan Gordon, who developed both the backdoor pilot The Last Electric Knight and the subsequent primetime series for ABC. Gordon crafted the show's distinctive mix of martial arts action and buddy-cop dynamics that defined its 1986–1987 run.
Did Giovanni Ribisi appear in Sidekicks?
Yes, a young Giovanni Ribisi appeared in Sidekicks, making it one of his earliest television credits before he went on to prominent roles in Friends and films like Saving Private Ryan and Avatar. The series served as an early stepping stone for several cast members who later found major success.
How many episodes does Sidekicks have?
Sidekicks ran for 23 episodes across its single season on ABC during the 1986–1987 television season. Including the original backdoor pilot The Last Electric Knight, which aired as a Disney Sunday Movie special in February 1986, the complete story spans 24 installments in total.
Is Sidekicks based on a true story or real events?
Sidekicks is an original fictional series, not based on true events. It was conceived as an action-adventure vehicle showcasing the real-life martial arts talents of Ernie Reyes Jr., a genuine martial arts champion, blending his authentic skills with a scripted buddy-cop premise set in a contemporary American city.
What shows are similar to Sidekicks for fans to watch?
Fans of Sidekicks will likely enjoy other action-adventure series from the same era, including Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Hardcastle and McCormick, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. For more contemporary picks, S.W.A.T. and The Unit offer a similar mix of crime-fighting action and character-driven storytelling.
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