The Rookie has been renewed at ABC, securing a ninth season for the Nathan Fillion-led drama. The decision was confirmed for the 2026-27 schedule, with the network moving ahead after the series continued to post strong viewing across broadcast and Hulu. The Rookie remains one of ABC’s most dependable scripted performers.
ABC locks in The Rookie for 2026-27
ABC renewed The Rookie alongside Will Trent, extending both dramas for another year. The Rookie renewal keeps the police drama in place after a week of cross-platform viewing that pushed its audience above 8 million viewers per episode. That performance also helped the series rank among the top 15 network entertainment shows in adults 18-49.
The Rookie saw a particularly large lift from streaming, with its 18-49 rating often rising sixfold from its initial on-air total. The renewal reflects the strength of that audience pattern, which has made the series a steady part of ABC’s scripted lineup.
The Rookie in the broader ABC lineup
With the renewal, The Rookie joins 911, 911: Nashville, Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and High Potential on ABC’s scripted roster for 2026-27. The network’s decision also keeps momentum behind a franchise that now has a spinoff pilot in motion. ABC has ordered The Rookie: North, which stars Jay Ellis as the oldest rookie in a Washington state police department.
The series is produced by Lionsgate Television in association with 20th TV. Nathan Fillion stars with Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, Lisseth Chavez and Deric Augustine.
Immediate reaction and production details
Series creator Alexi Hawley executive produces The Rookie with Mark Gordon, Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, Brynn Malone, Moira Kirland, Bill Roe and Jon Steinberg. The renewal lands as ABC continues to build around established scripted titles that deliver consistent audience returns across platforms.
Will Trent also received a renewal, and ABC’s move signals confidence in both dramas heading into the next schedule cycle. The Rookie continues to stand out because of the way streaming strengthens its reach after the initial broadcast audience.
What comes next for The Rookie
For now, the key next step is the ninth season already secured by the renewal. The Rookie and its spinoff pilot will remain part of ABC’s developing drama strategy as the network shapes its 2026-27 lineup. If the audience trends hold, The Rookie is positioned to remain a central title in ABC’s scripted plans.
