The Rookie

:

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

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  1. Ededed
    Jan 19, 2019
    6
    Entertaining and often engaging. It’s a pretty typical cop drama as far as the scripts are concerned. As characters, the group of rookies are believable, the group of training officers are shallow and stereotypical. Having the Sgt. rag on the rookies constantly is getting old, and borders on being referred to HR for harassment. That needs to be dialed back big time.

    Just how many love    Entertaining and often engaging. It’s a pretty typical cop drama as far as the scripts are concerned. As characters, the group of rookies are believable, the group of training officers are shallow and stereotypical. Having the Sgt. rag on the rookies constantly is getting old, and borders on being referred to HR for harassment. That needs to be dialed back big time.

    Just how many love interests does the main character need to go through?

    Again, adequate, but it needs some polish on the minor characters and plot lines if it’s going to get any better.
    Later scripts are getting a bit better but still needs work to flesh out the characters.
    If the characters are allowed to develop into something more believable, this show could last more than one season.    … Expand
  2. 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 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 andSeveral 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.… Expand
  3. 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 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 pullsFrom 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!… Expand
  4. Scottgun00
    Nov 14, 2018
    3
    Nathan Fillion is the draw. He's why I tuned in. He's why you tuned. Usually, you can expect Nathan to take silly material (Castle) and make it sparkle, but here it doesn't work. Hard to put a finger on it, but I think it comes to the fact that he should be a lead or at least the centerpiece in an ensemble. Here he's just a cog in an ensemble, and not a very interesting one. I wonder ifNathan Fillion is the draw. He's why I tuned in. He's why you tuned. Usually, you can expect Nathan to take silly material (Castle) and make it sparkle, but here it doesn't work. Hard to put a finger on it, but I think it comes to the fact that he should be a lead or at least the centerpiece in an ensemble. Here he's just a cog in an ensemble, and not a very interesting one. I wonder if that's by design so that you don't notice how flat the rest of the ensemble is. This is a cast so interchangeable that the writers could have put lines of dialog in a hat, have the actors draw them randomly and say them and you wouldn't notice a difference. Mostly because your interest isn't engaged enough to care.… Expand
  5. 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 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 -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 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.… Expand
  6. Bigbro
    Oct 21, 2018
    10
    This I gotta admit is the number one action of the fall it's no doubt one of the best shows of the year too I must admit I was unsure at first but let me tell you this was no doubt a hit for abc I know I'll be watching Tuesday. It's like Richard castle never even left plus the fact that there is hilarious humor doesn't hurt it either
  7. lulu12345
    Oct 18, 2018
    10
    It was a great show. Nathan Fillion led the show very well with a great supporting cast. I am interested in seeing where it goes. The only thing I didn't like the romance. In my opinion, the old man young woman trope does not work. But I enjoyed the show overall and will be back for more.
  8. Angel_devil
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    Enjoyed it. Fantastic cop show. Nathan is a solid leading actor. Solid show, The other characters are great too.
  9. mannygarzon
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    The show offers a nice look into a mind of a regular person who become a cop but with the experience life can offer, it is funny when it has to be funny and it is drama in good proportions. after only two episodes i feel is a show i can enjoy and i hope it continue getting audience
  10. PilotDiane
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great cast, taking an old narrative into deeper realms. It's a tough story to sell but Episode after episode, the characters keep growing and the direction feels natural and even new. It's easy to see the strong center that is Nathan Fillion, but the other hardened heroes with a heart of gold also make the show a winner. There's a great mentor vibe and they went straight for a work relationship and didn't string that along. Bravo. The comedy is subtle. I hope they get to weave in more.… Expand
  11. 6r1zzly
    Oct 20, 2018
    10
    The Firefly meets The Dark Matter. How cool is that? This series is worth your precious time. It's well written, dynamic and full of interesting characters.
  12. manningn15
    Nov 26, 2018
    10
    I have loved Nathan Fillion ever since I watched him on every season of castle. I love this show even more than castle. Nathan Fillion's performance is stand out stupendous. The other cast members especially Afton Williamson, Eric Winter, and Melissa O'Neil. Also the writing is fantastic. A+.
  13. JennetP
    Mar 9, 2019
    5
    Amiable, wise-cracking star, check. Beautiful love interest half his age, check. Implausibly fabulous digs, check. Attractive ensemble with one quirk per character, check. Yes, "The Rookie" is fluff, alternately rib-tickling and heartstring-pulling, set in an LAPD that is a copagandist's wet dream. It's not really a police procedural; it's a series about starting over, but it doesn'tAmiable, wise-cracking star, check. Beautiful love interest half his age, check. Implausibly fabulous digs, check. Attractive ensemble with one quirk per character, check. Yes, "The Rookie" is fluff, alternately rib-tickling and heartstring-pulling, set in an LAPD that is a copagandist's wet dream. It's not really a police procedural; it's a series about starting over, but it doesn't actually have much to say about what it's like to begin a career based on rank in your 40s. I'd sum it up as "you get a lot of kidding then everybody discovers how wise age has made you."

    In the latest episode I've seen, the three rookies are punked: forced to star in a fake recruiting video for the LAPD. The series is a little like an LAPD recruiting video, actually, so maybe the producers are more sly and self-aware than I think. If so, could get more interesting . . ..    … Expand
  14. Idiota150
    Apr 18, 2019
    5
    Lost interest after the comedy angle disappeard completely - not that there was a lot of it. Also felt like they tried to check too many boxes in a manual of how to write TV scripts.
  15. inZa
    Mar 14, 2019
    8
    Better than expected. It is mediocre but better than half of netflix series. I would give 7 but i like Nathan.
  16. Jbenfld
    Apr 7, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My interest in this show stemmed from watching the trailers that were running on Facebook. While my wife and I have watched every episode so far, and plan to continue to do so, the show is not without its quirks. It has the typical cop-show shootout almost every week, the acting can be flat at times, and some of the storylines are a little far-fetched, but... that is also what makes the show fun. Gang shootouts, automatic weapons, mass prisoner escapes, high-speed chases, etc... are much more entertaining than what actual cops experience during routine shifts. The serious side of the show comes out when they are showing empathy for the city's homeless population, handling the discovery of an apartment full of illegal immigrants, and the relationship struggles with the rookies' families handling their transition to police officers. The show continues to be a draw for me, and as long as people watch it with the expectation of it being more of a comedy than a drama and do not expect it to be too realistic, I think they will like it also.… Expand
  17. nburdette
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    I really like this show. The ensemble cast is outstanding. The writing is quite witty and fun at times and suitably serious at other times giving the show a nice balance. As usual, Mr. Fillion plays a charming character even in his fish out of water setting. I really hope folks give this one a chance!
  18. Frankii8
    Mar 13, 2020
    10
    Great show, storyline, cast. It’s been a while since I’ve found a good show and The Rookie does an excellent job of keeping you tuned in.
  19. Fmz2006
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Easily one of the newest shows that I feel like I always want to watch. The cast is great and there are twists and turns that catch you off guard. I enjoyed every episode and find it to be quite interesting, humorous while simultaneously terrifying at times. One of the best shows to look forward to!

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  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.
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  3. 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.
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