The Rookie

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 16, 2018
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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Critic Reviews

  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Chris Barton
    Oct 16, 2018
    60
    Fillion’s strengths are key, because despite the show’s best efforts to drape multiple dramatic storylines around him in the one episode ABC made available to review, there’s just not a lot that stands out otherwise. ... It’s a breezy drama that doesn’t demand much from the viewer, but Fillion’s easy charm is tough to dismiss.
  2. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Oct 16, 2018
    58
    There’s enough parity in the group to keep viewers engaged, be it from their slew of emergencies (like a crazy man screaming about unicorns on top of his car) or testy inter-personal dynamics. Even after the ridiculous opening scene, Fillion manages to fill Nolan with enough foolish sincerity to be a believable human being.
  3. CNN
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Oct 16, 2018
    55
    Fillion is vulnerable and appealing, and he has welcome help from Richard T. Jones as his tough-as-nails boss. But The Rookie seems destined to test the limits of that charm, in a show where the shaky imagery can't obscure that we've seen every beat here before.
  5. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Oct 16, 2018
    50
    The series tries, with limited success, to be both a star vehicle for Fillion and also an ensemble. It doesn't pay off in the pilot, creating too many characters and too many plotlines for a rhythm to ever get properly established.
  6. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Kelly Lawler
    Oct 15, 2018
    50
    Rookie is full of familiar cop-show types and tropes. But instead of murder-solving detectives, it's on the fast-paced beat of uniformed officers.
  7. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Oct 12, 2018
    50
    Fillion fans will be happy to see their hero back on the tube; for everyone else, The Rookie has a “been there, done that” feel.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
77
#77 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 52
  3. Negative: 5 out of 52
  1. grandpasgirl
    Oct 17, 2018
    0
    After all the hype & being a Fillionite, I was soooo disappointed. Too chaotic; tried too hard to be funny. A 40-year old cop that ran fullAfter all the hype & being a Fillionite, I was soooo disappointed. Too chaotic; tried too hard to be funny. A 40-year old cop that ran full speed for five blocks and not even winded - really? And what happened to Nathan? Shot with unflattering lighting to make him look older? He just looks gaunt, tired and life- worn until seen having breakfast with a girl young enough to be his daughter - not his lover. Suddenly handsome again. Decide! I'm going back to New Amsterdam - but with a heavy heart.… Full Review »
  2. Iamcritical86
    Nov 16, 2018
    8
    From episode 1, it is apparent that the creators and writers of The Rookie have indeed made an effort to be a bit more creative in regards toFrom episode 1, it is apparent that the creators and writers of The Rookie have indeed made an effort to be a bit more creative in regards to the general plot of the show with each passing episode. Well timed direction also deserves a mention. I can appreciate that and quite frankly, it's a refreshing change! Shows like FBI completely FAIL in the creative department. The Rookie also pulls on the heartstrings. There's a sense of realism and identifying with the characters in the show and their issues surrounding the story line are believable and in some cases relatable. The humor is cleverly blended into the scripts which is another check mark on my list and it really helps balance out the otherwise "heaviness" of some of the situations that take place here. In MY opinion, definitely one of the better cop shows on the air, currently!… Full Review »
  3. SchroederRock
    Nov 4, 2018
    8
    Several episodes in and I think The Rookie has become a series I can see myself staying invested in for at least a few seasons. Being a fan ofSeveral episodes in and I think The Rookie has become a series I can see myself staying invested in for at least a few seasons. Being a fan of Nathan Fillion makes getting into The Rookie a bit easier but a good casting choice doesn't make an entire show. There are several good casting choices and a compelling foundation for the series - something that it shares with 9-1-1. Crime and police encounters can always have unique draws and getting to know the characters beyond their uniforms helps anchor the series deeper than your typical episode of COPS. Nathan Fillion's character in particular adds plenty of depth given his life situation (mid-life crisis with a twist). It still has room to grow but The Rookie has tons of promise and should have plenty of opportunities to deliver as the series ages.… Full Review »
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