Rookie Blue, a police drama fans claim is better than The Rookie, is now streaming for free in the UK on ITVX. All six seasons of the Canadian series, which aired from 2010 to 2016, are available to watch.
The Rookie's Success and Spin-offs
The Rookie, which premiered in 2018, has become a major hit, recently renewed for a ninth season, making it the third longest-running series currently airing on ABC. Starring Nathan Fillion, it follows John Nolan, a man in his 40s who becomes the oldest rookie at the LAPD, based on real-life officer William Norcross.
The show's popularity surged thanks to TikTok, with clips amassing hundreds of millions of views. Its success led to a spin-off, The Rookie: Feds, and another, The Rookie: North, in development.
Rookie Blue: A Forgotten Gem
Set in Toronto, Rookie Blue follows five rookie police officers from fictional 15 Division, dealing with duties, family, friends, and romantic attachments. The cast includes Missy Peregrym, Travis Milne, Charlotte Sullivan, Priscilla Faia, Peter Mooney, and Gregory Smith.
Despite being a hit in Canada, it never achieved global fame. However, fans on Reddit have praised it, with some calling it better than The Rookie. One user, @Impossible_Attitude7, wrote: "I absolutely loved the series! Sam and Andy are similar to Tim and Lucy in a lot of ways." Another, @MAJB2021, stated: "Rookie blue overall is a better show imo. They are very similar."
