Netflix is set to release the hit police procedural The Rookie on July 1, a show that fans have hailed as 'the best ever' and compared favorably to Disney+'s High Potential. The long-running crime drama follows Nathan Fillion's John Nolan, who becomes the oldest new recruit to join the LAPD at age 40, earning his stripes through various cases alongside fellow recruits.
Cast and Premise
The Rookie stars Nathan Fillion alongside Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones (known from Netflix's Narcos and Hawaii Five-0), Titus Makin Jr. (Glee, Pretty Little Liars), Mercedes Mason (Fear The Walking Dead), and Melissa O'Neil, among others. The show first aired on ABC in 2018 and has become a beloved cop show, now returning for a ninth season, making it the third-longest-running show currently on the American network.
Fan Praise and Comparisons to High Potential
Many fans have praised The Rookie on social media, with some wanting a crossover with High Potential. On Facebook, one fan asked: 'The rookie, aren't they in the same city?' Another agreed: 'I would pick The Rookie and High Potential for my crossover shows also.' On Reddit, one user wrote: 'Ugh, my favorite show!! Will Trent High Potential The Rookie Feds spin off 911 (the original) ETA!! Lucifer is a MUST watch!!' Others praised the show's cast chemistry and self-aware humor. One Redditor noted: 'Good cast chemistry and as far as generic cop shows go the rookie stands out with some extra comedy and scenes that dont take itsself too seriously as well.' Another said: 'For me, I've said it 100x - it's this CAST. I like their chemistry on and off camera.'
Nathan Fillion's Appeal
Fillion's performance has been a major draw. A fan explained: 'I've always been a Nathan Fillion fan since Firefly, so I usually give his shows a watch. He drew me in, but it was also the rest of the cast that kept me watching, too, and how the show pokes fun at itself.' Another echoed: 'Mostly because of Nathan Fillion, who is a legend.'
Spin-offs and Future
The show's popularity has spawned two spin-off series: The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash-Betts, and The Rookie: North. While The Rookie: Feds was canceled after one season, The Rookie: North is currently in development.
The Rookie will be available on Netflix from July 1. High Potential is streaming now on Disney+.
