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The Rookie Renewed for Season 9, Eyes Grey's Anatomy Longevity

ABC has officially renewed the police drama "The Rookie" for a ninth season, cementing its status as the network's third longest-running drama series. Creator Alexi Hawley expressed the cast and crew's enthusiasm to continue, quoting star Melissa O'Neil's ambition to match the longevity of "Grey's Anatomy." Hawley credits the show's ability to reinvent itself with new characters and storylines for its enduring creative energy. The upcoming season may also serve as a launchpad for a potential spinoff series, "The Rookie: North," which is currently in development.

Key Points: The Rookie Season 9 Renewed, Becomes ABC's 3rd Longest Drama

  • Officially renewed for Season 9
  • Now ABC's third longest-running drama
  • Creator says cast loves working together
  • Potential spinoff 'The Rookie: North' in pilot stage
  • Show can reinvent itself with new characters
2 min read

'The Rookie' renewed for season 9

ABC renews The Rookie for Season 9, making it the network's third longest-running drama. Creator Alexi Hawley discusses the show's future and potential spinoff.

"Let's Grey's Anatomy this thing - Melissa O'Neil, quoted by Alexi Hawley"

Los Angeles, April 13

Cop drama 'The Rookie' has been renewed for a ninth season.

The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion and created by Alexi Hawley, from Lionsgate Television and 20th Television, has officially become the third longest-running drama series on ABC, trailing only Grey's Anatomy (now heading into Season 23) and NYPD Blue, which ran for 12 seasons, as per Deadline.

The Rookie is tied with ABC's 1981 primetime soap Dynasty and 1965 police procedural The F.B.I., which also aired for nine seasons. (9-1-1 is going to Season 10 but the series aired on Fox for its first six seasons before moving to ABC.)

"So far, the mindset across the board is, as Melissa O'Neil said, 'Let's Grey's Anatomy this thing,'" Hawley told Deadline, quoting one of The Rookie's stars.

"I think everybody is having a good time, it's a cast that truly loves each other and enjoys coming to work, they get to do fun stuff every day. And at this point, heading into Season 9, I don't feel like we're anywhere near out of ideas. Part of that is we're not a procedural where I have to come up with a body drop every week. We really can reinvent ourselves a lot, and that helps with not feeling like you're running out of story. Every time you bring in a new rookie or a new character, that also changes things. So, yeah, I would do this until they turn the lights out."

Next season, The Rookie may be tasked with launching a new ABC series, spinoff The Rookie: North, currently in the pilot stage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good news! My wife and I watch this together. It's light, has good action, and the characters feel like a family. Much better than some of the grittier cop shows. Excited for the potential spinoff too - 'The Rookie: North' sounds interesting.
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Aman W
Honestly, I stopped after season 5. It started feeling repetitive. The initial charm of a 40-year-old rookie was great, but now the plots are predictable. Maybe they should wrap it up on a high note instead of dragging it like Grey's Anatomy.
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Sarah B
As someone who works long hours, this show is my perfect weekend binge. Easy to watch, doesn't require too much brainpower, and Nathan Fillion is always charming. Glad to hear the cast gets along well—it shows on screen!
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Karthik V
It's impressive how they keep finding new stories. Bringing in new rookies is a smart move. In India, we need long-running shows with this kind of consistent quality. Our serials just go on and on with the same melodrama! 😅

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