The Rookie

The Rookie is an American police procedural television series created by Alexi Hawley for ABC. The series stars Nathan Fillion, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin Jr., Mercedes Mason, Melissa O'Neil, Eric Winter, Afton Williamson, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Jenna Dewan, Tru Valentino, Lisseth Chavez, and Deric Augustine. It follows John Nolan, a man in his 40s, who becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). It is based on real-life LAPD officer William Norcross, who moved to Los Angeles in 2015 and joined the department in his mid-40s. Produced by 20th Television and Lionsgate Television, The Rookie premiered on October 16, 2018. In April 2026, the series was renewed for a ninth season, becoming the third longest running series currently airing on ABC. A spin-off series, The Rookie: Feds (2022–2023), followed the oldest rookie in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A second spin-off, The Rookie: North, is in development.