History of The Rookie (TV series) in Timeline
The Rookie, created by Alexi Hawley, centers on John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a man in his 40s who becomes the oldest rookie in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Inspired by the real-life story of William Norcross, the show follows Nolan as he navigates the challenges and dangers of law enforcement alongside younger recruits. The series explores themes of second chances, ageism, and the personal sacrifices required of police officers. The show features a supporting cast including fellow officers and superiors, portraying the diverse relationships and dynamics within a police precinct.
2015: William Norcross Joins LAPD
In 2015, William Norcross, a real-life LAPD officer, moved to Los Angeles and joined the department in his mid-40s, which served as the inspiration for The Rookie.
October 2017: Nathan Fillion Cast as John Nolan
In October 2017, with the series order of 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 and written by Alexi Hawley.
January 2018: Liz Friedlander to Direct Pilot
In January 2018, Liz Friedlander signed on to direct and executive produce the pilot episode of The Rookie.
February 7, 2018: Afton Williamson and Eric Winter Cast
On February 7, 2018, Afton Williamson and Eric Winter were cast as Talia Bishop and Tim Bradford, respectively, in The Rookie.
March 7, 2018: Pilot Production Begins
On March 7, 2018, production began on the pilot episode of The Rookie, with filming taking place in 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: The Rookie Picked Up for Full Season
On November 5, 2018, The Rookie was picked up for a full season of 20 episodes.
May 10, 2019: The Rookie Renewed for Season 2
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 would not return for season 2 of The Rookie. Williamson stated she experienced racial discrimination, inappropriate comments, sexual harassment, and sexual assault, and that her complaints were ignored.
August 4, 2019: Afton Williamson Leaves The Rookie
On August 4, 2019, it was announced that Afton Williamson would not be returning for the second season of The Rookie.
August 27, 2019: Season 1 DVD Release
On August 27, 2019, the first season of The Rookie was released on DVD in Region 1.
September 17, 2019: Investigation Finds No Merit in Allegations
On September 17, 2019, the results of an investigation into Afton Williamson's allegations were published, finding that the allegations had no merit and could not be proven. Williamson stood by her claims.
September 29, 2019: The Rookie Season 2 Premieres
On September 29, 2019, the second season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.
October 2, 2019: Mekia Cox Joins The Rookie Cast
On October 2, 2019, Mekia Cox joined the cast of The Rookie as a new series regular, Nyla Harper, for the second season.
October 28, 2019: Full Season Order for The Rookie Season 2
On October 28, 2019, The Rookie received a full season order of 20 episodes for its second season.
January 22, 2020: Season 1 DVD Release in Australia
On January 22, 2020, the first season of The Rookie was released on DVD in Region 4 (Australia).
May 21, 2020: The Rookie Renewed for Season 3
On May 21, 2020, ABC renewed The Rookie for a third season which premiered on January 3, 2021.
January 3, 2021: The Rookie Season 3 Premieres
On January 3, 2021, the third season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.
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. Three gunshots were heard, but no one from the show was injured. Filming in the area was temporarily shut down.
May 14, 2021: The Rookie Renewed for Season 4
On May 14, 2021, ABC renewed The Rookie for a fourth season, which premiered on September 26, 2021.
September 26, 2021: The Rookie Season 4 Premieres
On September 26, 2021, the fourth season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.
October 21, 2021: Live Weapons Banned on Set
Following the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust, live weapons were banned from The Rookie while filming on October 21, 2021. The show switched to using airsoft guns with CGI muzzle flashes.
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.
March 9, 2022: Kat Foster and Felix Solis Join Spin-Off Cast
On March 9, 2022, Kat Foster and Felix Solis joined the cast of The Rookie spin-off.
March 30, 2022: The Rookie Renewed for Season 5
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, a spin-off of The Rookie.
June 2022: Britt Robertson, Kevin Zegers and James Lesure Join The Rookie: Feds cast
In June 2022, Britt Robertson, Kevin Zegers and James Lesure joined the cast as series regulars of The Rookie: Feds.
September 25, 2022: The Rookie Season 5 Premieres
On September 25, 2022, the fifth season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.
September 27, 2022: The Rookie: Feds Airs
The Rookie: Feds aired from September 27, 2022, to May 2, 2023.
April 17, 2023: The Rookie Renewed for Season 6
On April 17, 2023, ABC renewed The Rookie for a sixth season, which premiered on February 20, 2024.
May 2, 2023: The Rookie: Feds Airs
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 as a consequence of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
February 17, 2024: Season 6 Episode Count Confirmed
On February 17, 2024, Alexi Hawley confirmed that the sixth season of The Rookie would consist of ten episodes.
February 20, 2024: The Rookie Season 6 Premieres
On February 20, 2024, the sixth season of The Rookie premiered on ABC.
April 15, 2024: The Rookie Renewed for Season 7
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 series The Rookie was renewed for a seventh season, which was scheduled to premiere on January 7, 2025.
December 5, 2024: Second Spin-Off Series 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.
January 7, 2025: The Rookie Season 7 Premieres
On January 7, 2025, the seventh season of The Rookie premiered.
April 1, 2025: The Rookie Streaming on Disney+
As of April 1, 2025, the first 5 seasons of The Rookie were made available for streaming on Disney+ via the Star content hub in Australia and New Zealand.
April 3, 2025: The Rookie Renewed for Season 8
On April 3, 2025, ABC renewed The Rookie for an eighth season.
April 2025: The Rookie Renewed for Season 8
In April 2025, The Rookie was renewed for an eighth season, scheduled to premiere in January 2026.
January 2026: The Rookie Season 8 Scheduled to Premiere
In January 2026, the eighth season of The Rookie is scheduled to premiere.
Mentioned in this timeline
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific...
Los Angeles L A is the most populous city in...
Australia officially the Commonwealth of Australia encompasses the Australian continent...
Canada is a North American country spanning from the Atlantic...
Rust is a reddish-brown iron oxide formed by the reaction...
Nathan Fillion is a Canadian-American actor known for his leading...
Trending
25 days ago James Gunn Plans Superman Sequel Shooting Soon; Teases 'Peacemaker' Role in DCU.
25 days ago Motorcycle crash in Beloit on Cranston Road: Police investigate single-vehicle incident.
25 days ago Zion: Influencers' Storm, Hidden Trail & East Mesa Hike, Views and Fewer Crowds
25 days ago Qatar Airways and Accenture partner for AI-driven aviation excellence, creating 'AI Skyways'.
25 days ago Ketel Marte's Absence and Day Off Requests Cause Frustration Among Diamondbacks Teammates
25 days ago Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates 'Freakier Friday' with Fan Event and Lookalike Screening
Popular
Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative activist author and...
Carlo Acutis was a British-born teenager of Italian ancestry deeply...
Turning Point USA TPUSA is a conservative nonprofit organization founded...
Paracetamol also known as acetaminophen is a commonly used over-the-counter...
Aryna Sabalenka is a highly accomplished Belarusian professional tennis player...
Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician serving as the...