™
The Rookie
On ABC — From ABC Studios · Entertainment One
📺 Season 9 premieres Jan 6, 2027Never off duty.
Where to watch
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Synopsis
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.
Themes
Episodes
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- E1 PilotNext up▶ Watch on HuluOct 16, 2018 · 43 min · ★ 8.5
Synopsis
Starting over isn't easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being a police 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. Throw in a workplace romance, a hostage situation, and some tough love from their new training officers, and the latest Los Angeles police rookie class has an uphill battle ahead of them.
Guest stars: Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Julie Ann Emery (Stacy), Kai Lennox (Unicorn Father), John Nania (Pistol), Mary Albee (Female Foxburg Cop), Lauro David Chartrand-DelValle (Male Foxburg Cop), Anthony Bonaventura (Selby), Eugene Shaw (Darius Nguyen)
- E2 Crash Course▶ Watch on HuluOct 23, 2018 · 43 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
Talia forces Nolan to confront his personal moral instincts in order to be a good cop after he encounters a kidnapping victim. Lucy is temporarily placed with a new training officer who tests her patience. Jackson must confront his failures head-on if he wants to be an officer.
Guest stars: Ryan Michelle Bathe (Jennifer Paige), Danny Nucci (Sanford Motta), Brittany Ross (Bride), Joe Williamson (Officer Scott Wrigley), Ashleigh LaThrop (Christine), Julanne Chidi Hill (Meth Addict), Wesley Jonathan (Prius Owner), Myra Cris Ocenar (Nurse)
- E3 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly▶ Watch on HuluOct 30, 2018 · 43 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
After Nolan and Talia lose control of a crime scene, they begin to debate whether people are fundamentally good or bad and what that means for a police officer. Lucy is concerned Tim is enabling his wife’s destructive behavior and not taking care of himself.
Guest stars: Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Skye P. Marshall (Kai De Vera), Tyler Francavilla (Roman Ealy), Jee Young Han (Nancy Wu), Roxy Wood (Sue), Joshua Berduo (Logan), Clint Culp (Bank Manager), Mark Jacobson (Chad)
- E4 The Switch▶ Watch on HuluNov 13, 2018 · 43 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
The rookies are temporarily paired with new training officers, and Nolan is paired with Lopez. When Nolan and Lopez track down an escaped criminal, they discover a little kindness goes a long way. Jackson is forced to face his fears when he is partnered with Officer Bradford. Chen and Nolan must face a hard truth.
Guest stars: José Zúñiga (Nestor Garcia), Kristian Nairn (Wallace), Madison Horcher (Sarah), Jay Ali (Detective Singh), Cameron Gharaee (Clyde), Kim Johnston Ulrich (Alice), Paxton Singleton (Marco), Steven Allerick (Bo)
- E5 The Roundup▶ Watch on HuluNov 20, 2018 · 41 min · ★ 7.7
Synopsis
Nolan, the rookies and their training officers get involved in a competition that pits them against each other. Chen notices Bradford is obsessed with winning at all costs.
Guest stars: Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Sara Rue (Nell Forester), Anthony Azizi (Peter Askari), Antwon Tanner (Vandal), Mitchell Edwards (Antonio), Harry Groener (Mr. Walker), Abraham Sigler (Kid Friend #1), Ethan Bell (Kid Friend #2)
- E6 The Hawke▶ Watch on HuluNov 27, 2018 · 43 min · ★ 8.3
Synopsis
Nolan and the team must help capture a cop and his former mentor from the academy after he becomes a fugitive following an assault. Bradford needs Chen to learn to predict the moves of criminals in order to capture them.
Guest stars: Shawn Christian (Jeremy Hawke), Joelle Carter (Megan Mitchell), Ryan Michelle Bathe (Jennifer Paige), Danny Nucci (Sanford Motta), Aaron D. Spears (Mr. Campbell), Spence Moore II (Young Campbell), Michael Chieffo (Man Reporting Stabbing), Tyler Sanders (Logan Hawke)
- E7 The Ride Along▶ Watch on HuluDec 4, 2018 · 42 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
Grey informs Nolan and Bishop that they are going to have a movie director as a ride-along during their patrol after a fun afternoon granting the wish of a Make-a-Wish kid as an honorary police officer. Bradford is tested once again after he learns that his wife has been arrested for drug possession.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Zayne Emory (Henry Nolan), Jonno Roberts (Rupert Payne - VIP Ride-Along), Christopher Meyer (Malcolm), Demetrius Grosse (Det. Kevin Wolfe), David DeSantos (Det. Elijah Vestri)
- E8 Time of Death▶ Watch on HuluDec 11, 2018 · 42 min · ★ 8.4
Synopsis
Nolan and Bishop respond to a silent alarm call at a local convenience store where two men are attempting to rob the place. Bishop helps coordinate a drug bust that hits a little too close to home for Bradford.
Guest stars: Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Michael Beach (Percy West), Demetrius Grosse (Det. Kevin Wolfe), David DeSantos (Det. Elijah Vestri), Christopher James Baker (Marcus Vance), Isaac Keys (Pony), Nicole Bilderback (IA Det. Emily Barrett), Niko Nicotera (Carson Miller)
- E9 Standoff▶ Watch on HuluJan 8, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.6
Synopsis
Officer Bradford’s wife, Isabel, is found shot but alive and he vows to track down the man responsible. Meanwhile, Officer Nolan must protect his home and the truth after a home invasion attack.
Guest stars: Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Michael Beach (Percy West), Demetrius Grosse (Det. Kevin Wolfe), David DeSantos (Det. Elijah Vestri), Christopher James Baker (Marcus Vance), Isaac Keys (Pony), Niko Nicotera (Carson Miller), Sam Duffy (Kyle Montgomery)
- E10 Flesh and Blood▶ Watch on HuluJan 15, 2019 · 42 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
On Captain Andersen’s orders, Officer Nolan and Sergeant Grey are paired up for the day on patrol. Additionally, Nolan’s son and Grey’s daughter visit their dads on the job and see them in action. Meanwhile, Officer Chen is paired up with Captain Andersen, and Officer Bradford tells Chen to protect her at all costs.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Jade Payton (Dominique Grey), Zayne Emory (Henry Nolan), Michael Filipowich (Ex-Con), Jayne Taini (Bryce's Mother), Michael J. Sielaff (Bryce), Alain Ali Washnevsky (Dariush Ghorbani), Maggie Parto (Mehrnaz Ghorbani)
- E11 Redwood▶ Watch on HuluJan 22, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
An unscheduled visit by the vice president of the United States puts the station on high alert. The secret service tasks Officer Nolan and Officer Bishop with checking out a possible threat to the vice president while the rest of the team try to keep the streets clear and safe for his visit.
Guest stars: Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Lauren Stamile (SS Agent Phoenix Danvers), Bailey Noble (Rachel), Chet Grissom (Luke Moran), Eve Brenner (Ruth), Amanda Carlin (Alma - Gun Buyback Turn-In), Pooja Batra (Dr. Haddad), Cameron J. Armstrong (Nurse Gino Brown)
- E12 Heartbreak▶ Watch on HuluFeb 12, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 7.4
Synopsis
The most dangerous day of the year – Valentine’s Day – has the team on high alert, and Officer Nolan invites everyone over for a party now that he is single.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Mircea Monroe (Isabel Bradford), Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Sara Rue (Nell Forester), Angel Parker (Luna Grey), Cameron J. Armstrong (Nurse Gino Brown), Beau Garrett (Denise), John Billingsley (Kevin Scott)
- E13 Caught Stealing▶ Watch on HuluFeb 19, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
The rookies become the prime suspects after it is discovered a large sum of money used in a drug bust has gone missing.
Guest stars: Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Jose Pablo Cantillo (Franco DeSantis), Antonio Jaramillo (Robert Ortiz), Myndy Crist (Abby), Valeri Ross (Dr. Rogers), Heather McComb (Marilyn), Kari Coleman (Susan), Sarah Oh (Heather)
- E14 Plain Clothes Day▶ Watch on HuluFeb 26, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.5
Synopsis
The rookies are really put to the test when their training officers accompany them out of uniform for Plain Clothes Day, which forces them to make all the decisions while on patrol. Meanwhile, Officer Nolan tries to prove he has been progressing faster than the other rookies to justify his desire of becoming a detective within five years.
Guest stars: Brent Huff (Officer Quigley Smitty), Jan M. Janssen (Officer Jan (uncredited)), Demetrius Grosse (Det. Kevin Wolfe), Michelle Bernard (Officer DeSantos), Brett Rickaby (Rodney Acker), Bertila Damas (Maria Ochoa), Holley Fain (Lynn McDaniels), Lucas Kerr (Chris McDaniels)
- E15 Manhunt▶ Watch on HuluMar 5, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
When a prison bus crashes, all units must respond as some inmates face severe injuries while others seek an opportunity to flee. In the wake of the accident, Officer Nolan tries to impress an FBI hostage negotiator while tracking down an escaped convict.
Guest stars: Sarah Shahi (DHS Agent Jessica Russo), Jan M. Janssen (Officer Jan (uncredited)), Jamin Thompson (Officer Walker (uncredited)), Matthew Glave (Oscar Hutchinson), Dohn Norwood (Deacon Joe), Kurt Yaeger (Graham Ross), Sean Maher (Caleb Jost), Reggie Watkins (Keon)
- E16 Greenlight▶ Watch on HuluMar 19, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 9.0
Synopsis
Officer Nolan gets a lesson in respect after his arrest of a gang member leads to a free-for-all on his life. Meanwhile, Officer Chen and Officer Bradford pull over Mario Lopez, who thinks he can talk his way out of a traffic violation.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Mario López (Mario López), Grant Harvey (Cole Midas), Andy Mackenzie (Leonard 'King' Midas), Lyndon Smith (Astrid Heisserer), Alicia Coppola (Detective Murphy), Romeo Brown (D’Andre Riggs), Wesley Kimmel (Jake)
- E17 The Shake Up▶ Watch on HuluMar 26, 2019 · 42 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
A massive earthquake rocks the city and throws everyone’s patrols and its citizens into chaos. Meanwhile, agent Russo recommends Officer Nolan for a protective detail of Brad Hayes, a man whose dealings have put a target on his head.
Guest stars: Joel McHale (Brad Hayes), Sarah Shahi (DHS Agent Jessica Russo), Michael Trucco (ADA Sean Del Monte), Dominic Burgess (Tommy Lamont), Cameron J. Armstrong (Nurse Gino Brown), Greg Cromer (Capt. Tom Weatherby), Rocky Marquette (Byron), Jim Lau (Patrick Chen)
- E18 Homefront▶ Watch on HuluApr 2, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
When one of their colleagues is arrested by Internal Affairs for lying on the witness stand, it leads to the release of three felons whose cases he worked on and the team being asked to check in on them now that they are free. Meanwhile, Officer Nolan finds out he is being sued by a man who claims he used excessive force which led to an injury.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Michael Beach (Percy West), Gregg Henry (Judge), Joseph C. Phillips (Jephson Green), Caleb Castille (Dylan Scott), Robbie Kay (Atty. Simon Parks Jr.), Evan Williams (Camel), Shelley Robertson (Samantha Bennett)
- E19 The Checklist▶ Watch on HuluApr 9, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
Sergeant Gray informs the rookies that they must track down a specific set of crimes in a 48-hour period in order to qualify for their final exam. Meanwhile, Officer Nolan and Officer Bishop answer a silent alarm call at will.i.am’s house.
Guest stars: will.i.am (Will.i.am), Currie Graham (Ben McRee), Demetrius Grosse (Det. Kevin Wolfe), Sara Rue (Nell Forester (voice)), Stephen Lang (Chief Williams), Valerie Cruz (Det. Elena Ruiz), Ramon De Ocampo (Craig's Brother), Presciliana Esparolini (Lisa)
- E20 Free Fall▶ Watch on HuluApr 16, 2019 · 43 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
As the rookies prepare for a big exam to see who moves on to the next stage of training, Officer Nolan and Officer Bishop are called to the scene of a murder and learn that the victim may be tied to a potential terrorist attack on the city of Los Angeles.
Guest stars: Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers), Sarah Shahi (DHS Agent Jessica Russo), Michael Beach (Percy West), Felicia Day (Dr. Morgan), Valerie Cruz (Det. Elena Ruiz), Shawn Michael Howard (Peter Langston), Brittany Belt (Madame Megan), Ruy Iskandar (Brad Dallas)
Cast & crew
Created by Alexi Hawley
Nathan Fillion
Melissa O'Neil
Eric Winter
Alyssa Diaz
Mekia Cox
Richard T. Jones
Shawn Ashmore
Jenna Dewan
Lisseth Chavez
Deric AugustineVideos
Trailers
Images · 14
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Reviews · from TMDB members
superbroOct 19, 2018
Wow wow wow thats all I can say I watched the premeire of this show and it was a all out blast this is not a show that takes itsself too seriously or jokes too much it's kinda in the middle just rhe way I love it hilarious and also kick-ass the guy from castle is upbeat and charming. As well I love love loved this show it was fantastic no doubt one of the falls best
DeanJun 25, 2024
What a great show! No propaganda, agenda or any political BS. Characters are very well developed. You care about them, you love them. I really can't say anything bad about this show. It's great. Definitely deserves 10/10!
misubisuJun 29, 2024
**Score: 7/10 — A Fun, Flawed, and Unapologetically Idealistic Procedural** *The Rookie* succeeds because of [not in spite of] its well crafted contradictions... It is a show that is at once deeply entertaining and profoundly naive, a character-driven workplace drama wrapped in the glossy, sun-drenched packaging of a police recruitment ad. For what it sets out to do—provide optimistic, weekly escapism with a beloved cast—it earns its keep, even as its disconnect from reali… Read more
ty grows more pronounced with each passing season. **What Works (Why We Keep Watching):** The show’s undeniable engine is its **character development and chemistry.** Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan, the titular “oldest rookie,” provides a charming, moral anchor, and the ensemble around him (Melissa O’Neil’s Lucy Chen, Eric Winter’s Tim Bradford, etc.) has evolved into a genuinely beloved television family. Their personal and professional arcs—the romances, the friendships, the triumphs—are scripted with a sincerity that makes you invest deeply. As you noted, you **keep interested in the characters**, and that investment has carried the show through its more outlandish plots for **eight fun-to-watch seasons.** **The Central Critique: The Propaganda Paradox** The show’s most significant flaw and [perhaps] its purpose; **This is, in essence, a masterclass in soft police propaganda.** In an era of documented systemic issues, widespread public distrust, and justified scrutiny of U.S. law enforcement, *The Rookie* presents a pristine, parallel universe. Here, every officer is **inherently good, honest, and intolerant of corruption.** Problems are caused by individual “bad apples,” always external to the system, and are solved through camaraderie and sheer moral fortitude. The **plots and storylines are so far from reality** that they often stretch believability to its breaking point, presenting policing as a series of heartwarming interventions and Hollywood style heroics devoid of the complex grey-area tensions that define the real world. **The Verdict:** *The Rookie* is not a police drama; it is a police *fantasy*. It’s the procedural equivalent of comfort food; reliable, warm, and intentionally lacking in challenging nutrients. It earns a **solid 7/10** for executing this fantasy with consistent charm, excellent pacing, and a cast you can’t help but root for. It started strong, embraced a **bit of silliness** to keep the formula fresh, and has maintained its watchability through sheer force of likability. Enjoy it for what it is: a well-crafted, idealistic fable about good people doing good things in a uniformly supportive system. Just don’t mistake its sunny Los Angeles for the one that exists off-screen. It’s a fun watch, but it’s a carefully constructed dream, not a reflection of a waking world. **Watch if:** You love character-centric procedurals, Nathan Fillion’s charm, and undemanding, optimistic television. **Skip if:** You seek gritty, realistic cop dramas, nuanced social commentary, or are frustrated by narratives that sidestep systemic critique in favour of individual heroism.
ephraimkFeb 8, 2025
Really good. Like really good. The way it navigated through the drama following George Floyd's death was really good. A balance between a need for reform and a need for police. Well done.
