Nathan Fillion’s New 9-Season Crime Series Return Is Releasing Its “Biggest” Story Ever In Just 3 Months

EXCLUSIVE: The Rookie won’t return to ABC for another three months, but the hit procedural’s creator is teasing that the “biggest season” is yet to come.

After eight years, the Nathan Fillion-led series is just as popular as ever, with this May’s season 8 finale garnering 9.25 million viewers and reaching a new high on streaming platforms. Similar to the past three installments, The Rookie season 9 isn’t premiering until mid-season as the network makes way for other scripted dramas like R.J. Decker.

But when it returns on January 6, viewers should expect a fast-paced, action-packed arc that will keep them glued to their screens. In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Adam Barnard for The Rookie at NYCC, creator, showrunner, and executive producer Alexi Hawley revealed that season 9 “might be our biggest season yet so far, just in terms of scope.”

While production didn’t head to Prague like in season 8, the action in the first two episodes is “pretty epic, pretty high.” Even after that season opener, the pace doesn’t slow down, according to Hawley, who added that the comedy, relationship arcs, and crime storylines will still be very prevalent, as always.

ScreenRant: What can fans expect upcoming for The Rookie season 9?

Alexi Hawley: “Big. I think it might be our biggest season yet so far, just in terms of scope. I mean, we don’t go to Prague, but the action level, especially in the first two episodes, is pretty epic, pretty high. And then we don’t slow down after that. And yet still all the same comedy and relationship stuff and soapy stuff and crime, obviously that we do every episode.”

Hawley’s mention of Prague refers to The Rookie season 8 premiere earlier this year, in which Fillion’s John Nolan and the team took part in an international sting operation to catch a weapons trafficker, with Monica taking part due to her immunity agreement. After a successful mission, Wade Grey joined the task force.

The episode not only took place in Prague, but it was also filmed there. The Rookie may be a police procedural and follow many typical genre beats, but it also explores higher-stakes missions, like the Prague storyline.

From a rescue mission in Guatemala and a hospital cyberattack to a mercenary ambush that hit close to home and potential threats from a biological weapon, this show isn’t afraid to lean into grand and epic operations. Production is typically based in Los Angeles, but the Prague episode was the first time the cast and crew traveled internationally for filming.

While it doesn’t sound like The Rookie will go on another international trip anytime soon, Hawley’s tease about the first two episodes of next season should get fans excited for another pulse-pounding ride with Nolan and the rest of the Los Angeles Police Department.

After all, The Rookie season 8 ended on a major cliffhanger. After Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen got engaged, one of the happiest moments of their lives was abruptly cut short when they were both kidnapped. The show will resolve this shocking twist with a rescue mission to get Tim and Lucy back on the horizon. The “epic” action level Hawley teased may refer to this storyline.

The Rookie season 9 premieres Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

Release Date

October 16, 2018

Showrunner

Alexi Hawley