The Rookie (2018)
Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.
Details
First Air Date
10/16/2018
Last Air Date
3/11/2025
Network
ABC
Rating
9/10 (2317 votes)
Status
Returning Series
Production Companies
ABC Studios, Entertainment One, Lionsgate Television, ABC Signature
About The Rookie
"The Rookie" centers on John Nolan, a man who, after a significant life event, decides to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming an LAPD officer. As the oldest recruit in the academy, he faces skepticism from superiors who view his career change as a midlife crisis. The series blends elements of crime, drama, and comedy as Nolan navigates the challenges of police work alongside younger, more experienced officers. The show has run for seven seasons, accumulating 120 episodes, and holds an IMDb rating of 8.0.
The narrative explores themes of second chances and the difficulties of starting a demanding new career later in life. It delves into the daily realities of police work in Los Angeles, focusing on patrol duties, crime investigations, and the personal lives of its characters. The series maintains a procedural format, with each episode typically featuring various cases and personal developments. Keywords associated with the show include 'police officer,' 'LAPD,' 'crime investigation,' and 'dramedy,' reflecting its mix of serious police drama with lighter, comedic moments.
The show has been consistently popular, evidenced by its high vote count and average rating on TMDb. It often balances intense police action with character-driven plots, allowing viewers to connect with the ensemble cast. The longevity of the series suggests its ability to maintain audience interest through its blend of action, humor, and character development within the police procedural genre.
Why you might be searching for The Rookie
People often search for "The Rookie" to revisit its blend of police procedural action, drama, and comedy, or to find details about its main character, John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD. Specific searches also indicate an interest in particular characters like Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen, and the show's handling of various social topics.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the premiere of "The Rookie" to be an "all out blast," appreciating its balanced tone that avoids taking itself too seriously or joking excessively, and praised Nathan Fillion's charming performance.
Read the full reviewA fan highly recommended the show, noting its great character development that makes viewers care about the cast, and appreciated its lack of political messaging.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described "The Rookie" as a fun, flawed, and idealistic procedural that thrives on its contradictions, providing deeply entertaining and optimistic escapism through its character development and cast chemistry, particularly highlighting Nathan Fillion's John Nolan as a moral anchor.
Read the full reviewOne viewer initially enjoyed the show but felt it took a "hard left wing turn" around 2020, which they believed compromised its quality, before eventually veering back to its original style.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Rookie" on Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix. New episodes are often available on Hulu the day after they air. Reruns also air on Lifetime.
"The Rookie" is inspired by the true story of William Norcross, who joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in his mid-40s. Norcross, a college friend of executive producer Jon Steinberg, also serves as an executive producer on the show.
There are 8 seasons of "The Rookie" available, with a ninth season renewed for 2026.
On Rotten Tomatoes, "The Rookie" has a 68% approval rating for its first season, with critics noting Nathan Fillion's likeable presence. Metacritic assigned it a score of 64 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.