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. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Oct 9, 2018
    100
    [Fillion's] character fits him like a well-worn suit. ... Full of action, interesting characters, and a little bit of romance, The Rookie is a sure-fire hit.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Darren Franich
    Oct 15, 2018
    83
    This feels like an ensemble with real potential. [19/26 Oct 2018, p.85]
    All this critic's reviews
  3. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Oct 12, 2018
    75
    What really makes The Rookie interesting is watching Fillion maneuver among all these sharp elbows while balancing the shortage of adrenaline with the bonus supply of experience that both come with middle age. He does it all with the same let's-have-a-beer amiability he's displayed in shows as diverse as Firefly and Castle. He'll make you forget Kate Jackson is missing.
  5. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Oct 15, 2018
    70
    We have this very likable cop show about a guy, John Nolan, who hits the mid-life reset button and decides to become a cop.
  6. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Oct 15, 2018
    67
    The Rookie’s action scenes are capably staged in a pilot episode that’s also brisk and well cast beyond the built-in marquee appeal of Fillion. But the lead character’s back story is barely touched on. And Nolan’s training to become a cop is completely omitted in the rush to get him out on the streets and imperiled.
  7. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Oct 12, 2018
    63
    If anyone but Fillion tossed out a line so smothered in schmaltz, you'd either laugh or groan. But Mr. Likable nails it and largely nails this comfy, corny and (yup) likable pilot, too.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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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