History of The Rookie (TV series) in Timeline

The Rookie, created by Alexi Hawley, is a police procedural series on ABC starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD. Based on the true story of William Norcross, it follows Nolan's journey as he navigates the challenges and dangers of law enforcement in Los Angeles alongside younger recruits. The show explores themes of second chances, overcoming stereotypes, and the realities of modern policing through Nolan's unique perspective and experiences.

2015: William Norcross Joins LAPD

In 2015, William Norcross, a man in his mid-40s, moved to Los Angeles and joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The Rookie is based on his real-life experiences as an older rookie.

October 2017: Nathan Fillion Cast as John Nolan

In October 2017, with the series order for The Rookie, Nathan Fillion was cast in the lead role as John Nolan.

October 26, 2017: ABC Orders The Rookie

On October 26, 2017, ABC announced a straight-to-series order for The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion. Alexi Hawley was writer and executive producer.

January 2018: Liz Friedlander Joins as Director

In January 2018, Liz Friedlander signed on to direct and executive produce the pilot episode of The Rookie.

February 7, 2018: Casting Announcements

On February 7, 2018, Afton Williamson and Eric Winter were cast as Talia Bishop and Tim Bradford, respectively, for The Rookie. Melissa O'Neil, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin, Alyssa Diaz, and Mercedes Mason were also cast shortly after.

March 7, 2018: Pilot Production Begins

On March 7, 2018, production on the pilot episode of The Rookie began. Filming locations included Los Angeles, Oxnard, Burbank, and New York City.

October 16, 2018: The Rookie Premieres

On October 16, 2018, The Rookie, produced by 20th Television and Lionsgate Television, premiered on ABC.

November 5, 2018: Full Season Order

On November 5, 2018, The Rookie was picked up for a full season of 20 episodes.

May 10, 2019: Season 2 Renewal

On May 10, 2019, ABC renewed The Rookie for a second season, which premiered on September 29, 2019.

July 26, 2019: Afton Williamson Alleges Discrimination

On July 26, 2019, it was reported that Afton Williamson, who played Talia Bishop, would not be returning for the second season of The Rookie. Williamson stated that she experienced racial discrimination, racially charged inappropriate comments, sexual harassment, and sexual assault during the first season.

August 4, 2019: Afton Williamson's Departure

On August 4, 2019, it was announced that Afton Williamson would not return for the second season of The Rookie.

August 27, 2019: Season 1 DVD Release (Region 1)

On August 27, 2019, the first season of The Rookie was released on DVD in Region 1.

September 17, 2019: Investigation Findings Released

On September 17, 2019, the results of an investigation into Afton Williamson's allegations were released, concluding that the allegations could not be proven. Williamson stood by her claims, calling the results "heartbreaking".

September 29, 2019: Season 2 Premiere

On September 29, 2019, the second season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.

October 2, 2019: Mekia Cox Joins Cast

On October 2, 2019, Mekia Cox joined the cast of The Rookie as Nyla Harper, a new series regular for the second season.

October 28, 2019: Second Season Full Order

On October 28, 2019, the second season of The Rookie received a full season order of 20 episodes.

January 22, 2020: Season 1 DVD Release (Region 4)

On January 22, 2020, the first season of The Rookie was released on DVD in Region 4 (Australia).

May 21, 2020: Season 3 Renewal

On May 21, 2020, ABC renewed The Rookie for a third season, which premiered on January 3, 2021.

January 3, 2021: Season 3 Premiere

On January 3, 2021, the third season of The Rookie premiered.

April 15, 2021: Shooting Incident During Filming

On April 15, 2021, police responded to reports of a possible shooting during filming of The Rookie in Los Angeles. Gunshots were heard, but no one from the show was injured. Filming in the immediate area was temporarily halted.

May 14, 2021: Season 4 Renewal

On May 14, 2021, ABC renewed The Rookie for a fourth season, which premiered on September 26, 2021.

September 26, 2021: Season 4 Premiere

On September 26, 2021, the fourth season of The Rookie premiered.

October 21, 2021: Live Weapons Banned

Following the death of Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021, on the set of the film Rust, live weapons were banned from The Rookie while filming. The series shifted to using airsoft guns with CGI muzzle flashes added in post-production.

February 8, 2022: FBI Spin-off Pilot Ordered

On February 8, 2022, ABC ordered a pilot for a planned FBI spin-off of The Rookie, starring Niecy Nash. The series was introduced as a two-episode backdoor pilot during Season 4 of The Rookie.

March 9, 2022: Casting Additions for Spin-off

On March 9, 2022, Kat Foster and Felix Solis joined the cast of The Rookie spin-off.

March 30, 2022: Season 5 Renewal

On March 30, 2022, ABC renewed The Rookie for a fifth season, which premiered on September 25, 2022.

May 13, 2022: Series Order for The Rookie: Feds

On May 13, 2022, ABC gave a series order to The Rookie: Feds.

June 2022: More Cast Members for The Rookie: Feds

In June 2022, Britt Robertson, Kevin Zegers, and James Lesure joined the cast of The Rookie: Feds as series regulars.

September 25, 2022: Season 5 Premiere

On September 25, 2022, the fifth season of The Rookie premiered.

September 27, 2022: The Rookie: Feds Premieres

The Rookie: Feds aired from September 27, 2022, to May 2, 2023.

April 17, 2023: Season 6 Renewal

On April 17, 2023, ABC renewed The Rookie for a sixth season, which premiered on February 20, 2024.

May 2, 2023: The Rookie: Feds Ended

The Rookie: Feds aired from September 27, 2022, to May 2, 2023.

November 9, 2023: The Rookie: Feds Canceled

On November 9, 2023, The Rookie: Feds was canceled after one season, a consequence of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

February 17, 2024: Season 6 Episode Count Confirmed

On February 17, 2024, executive producer and showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed that the sixth season of The Rookie would consist of ten episodes.

February 20, 2024: Season 6 Premiere

On February 20, 2024, the sixth season of The Rookie premiered.

April 15, 2024: Season 7 Renewal

On April 15, 2024, ABC renewed The Rookie for a seventh season, which premiered on January 7, 2025.

April 2024: The Rookie Renewed for Season 7

In April 2024, The Rookie was renewed for a seventh season, scheduled to premiere on January 7, 2025.

December 5, 2024: Second Spin-off in Development

On December 5, 2024, it was reported that a second spin-off series of The Rookie was in development, set in Washington state and centering around a male cop in his second act. Alexi Hawley, Nathan Fillion, William Norcross, and Michelle Chapman will serve as executive producers.

January 7, 2025: Season 7 Premieres

On January 7, 2025, the seventh season of The Rookie premiered.

April 1, 2025: Streaming Availability on Disney+

As of April 1, 2025, the first five seasons of The Rookie were available for streaming on Disney+ via the Star content hub in Australia and New Zealand. The series is also available on Netflix in most regions and on Paramount+ in Canada.