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When it comes to television shows, one of the most expounded upon niches is that of first responders, with a ton of shows emerging over the years. While some have failed over the years, others have made a significant impact, with the most prominent names being the One Chicago universe, created by Dick Wolf and Derek Haas, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, and the 9-1-1 franchise built by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, with its home on ABC while streaming on Hulu. Other first responder franchises and shows exist, and ABC has one of the most beloved titles.
With eight seasons under its belt, The Rookie remains one of ABC's most popular shows. Centered around the Los Angeles Police Department, the show launched in 2018 with the focus on a rookie (played by Nathan Fillion) who, in the mid-stages of his life, decides to join the force. Despite nearly a decade onscreen, the police procedural which has since evolved into a high-octane show, seems to be gaining even more momentum while consistently depicting fresh talent joining the LAPD. Season 8 of The Rookie ended on Monday, May 4, with the finale titled "The Bandit." During the course of the season, the show took viewers outside the confines of Los Angeles, while also bringing an end to one of the show's long-running villains. The fan-favorite Chenford couple of Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) also continued to offer up an emotionally satisfying dynamic between them.
However, by the time the Season 8 finale aired, one of the villains thrown into The Rookie mix, Heath Everett (Jeffrey Vincent Parise), had kidnapped our beloved Chenford. It is a decision that is sure to draw the ire of the LAPD as we head into Season 9. The new season is expected around January next year, but fans have some news to get excited about. Series creator Alexi Hawley recently sat with TVLine, and while no major bombshells were dropped regarding the Chenford situation. The creator did reveal that The Rookie starts shooting Season 9 today, Tuesday, July 21, with a premiere script he described as "super fun and romantic and emotional [with] a lot of action."
New Horizons Await 'The Rookie' in Season 9
The connection between The Rookie and its expanding fanbase is a bond that is continually growing stronger. This is evident in the recent decision to release an extended cut of Season 8, Episode 10, "His Name Was Martin." The extended cut includes five and a half extra minutes and was released on July 20. Hawley, when speaking on the decision, described it as a way of rewarding the show's fanbase who are set for even more joy when ABC expands The Rookie franchise beyond its original series. Having failed with the spin-off The Rookie: Feds, back in 2022, the network has turned its hopes towards its next spin-off, The Rookie: North, which stars Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick and Running Point) as its lead.
The Rookie: North will follow a middle-aged man who joins the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie after a traumatic home invasion and was written by Hawley. Karen Fukuhara (The Boys), stars alongside Ellis in a cast that also includes Chris Sullivan, Froy Gutierrez, Janet Montgomery, Mya Lowe, and Malik Watson.
Seasons 1–8 of The Rookie are available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. Season 9 will premiere in January 2027.
