The Rookie poster
Crime

Next Season of The Rookie: Is Season 9 Renewed, and When Will It Be Released?

“Never off duty.”

AI Verdict

Likely Renewed72%medium confidence
72%renewal

The Rookie has proven itself one of ABC's most durable procedurals, completing nine seasons and remaining listed as a "Returning Series" on TMDB through May 2026. While no recent news articles confirm a Season 10 pickup, the show's long run and ABC's historically loyal relationship with successful procedurals lean positive. Renewal is more likely than not, though the absence of any fresh confirmation adds uncertainty.

Updated 2026-05-15 · AI-generated analysis

Based on 36 tracked news articles

Fan Verdict

No fan predictions yet

No predictions yet — be the first.

Sign in to cast your prediction →
Network
ABC
Seasons aired
9
Total episodes
144
Genres
Crime, Drama, Comedy
First aired
2018-10-16
Last aired
2026-05-04
Runtime
—
IMDb rating
8.0 / 10 · 125,489 votes

Awards Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmys. 3 wins & 8 nominations total

Predictive Logic Analysis

The Rookie's nine-season run — an impressive achievement for any scripted drama — speaks to a show that has consistently delivered ABC the reliable, mid-sized audience that broadcast networks depend on for their procedural blocks. ABC tends to be far more patient with long-running procedurals than streaming platforms, and the network has repeatedly renewed The Rookie even as its raw viewership numbers followed the broader industry decline. The show's shift in focus over recent seasons, combined with the spinoff The Rookie: Feds (which was cancelled after one season), suggests the parent series is still seen as the franchise's anchor. A show in its ninth season that is still classified as "Returning Series" — rather than having been announced as its final season — is a meaningful signal in itself.

That said, nine seasons is a natural inflection point where networks reassess cost vs. return. Cast salaries escalate, and without a visible headline renewal announcement accompanying the Season 9 finale in May 2026, there is at least some possibility that quiet contract or budget negotiations are ongoing. The lack of any news coverage — positive or negative — in the immediate post-finale window is mildly concerning, as ABC typically announces renewals around or shortly after the May upfronts. If no announcement has materialized despite the season having just aired its finale, it may indicate the deal is still being negotiated rather than that cancellation is imminent.

What is The Rookie about?

Starting over isn't easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being an LAPD officer. As the force's oldest rookie, he's met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.

Is The Rookie renewed or cancelled?

high

Nine-season run with TMDB 'Returning Series' status — no confirmed final season announcement

high

ABC's historically strong loyalty to established procedural franchises

medium

No renewal announcement despite Season 9 finale airing in May 2026 (near upfronts window)

medium

No recent news coverage — absence of both renewal and cancellation signals

medium

Nine seasons increases per-episode cost (cast salaries, production scale)

low

Spinoff The Rookie: Feds was cancelled, reducing franchise extension risk and keeping focus on core show

medium

Procedurals remain reliable live+same-day performers for ABC, supporting continued investment

The Rookie Season 9 Release Date

If The Rookie is renewed for a tenth season, ABC's standard scheduling pattern would place it in the fall 2026 premiere window, likely September or October 2026 — consistent with its historical premiere dates. The show has aired in the fall every season since its 2018 debut, and there is no structural reason to expect a departure from that pattern. A mid-season premiere (January 2027) is possible if production timelines are delayed by late renewal negotiations, but fall 2026 remains the most probable target. Given that the Season 9 finale aired in early May 2026, a renewal announcement would need to come within weeks to keep a fall 2026 launch on track.

Where to watch The Rookie

HulustreamfuboTVstreamYouTube TVstreamPhilostreamAmazon VideobuyGoogle Play MoviesbuyFandango At Homebuy

The Rookie cast

Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion

John Nolan

Melissa O'Neil

Melissa O'Neil

Lucy Chen

Eric Winter

Eric Winter

Tim Bradford

Alyssa Diaz

Alyssa Diaz

Angela Lopez

Mekia Cox

Mekia Cox

Nyla Harper

Richard T. Jones

Richard T. Jones

Wade Grey

The Rookie trailer

The Rookie seasons

Season 12018 · 20 ep
  • 1. Pilot2018-10-16 · ★ 8.5
  • 2. Crash Course2018-10-23 · ★ 7.8
  • 3. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly2018-10-30 · ★ 7.6
  • 4. The Switch2018-11-13 · ★ 7.5
  • 5. The Roundup2018-11-20 · ★ 7.6
  • 6. The Hawke2018-11-27 · ★ 8.3
  • 7. The Ride Along2018-12-04 · ★ 8.0
  • 8. Time of Death2018-12-11 · ★ 8.4
  • 9. Standoff2019-01-08 · ★ 8.6
  • 10. Flesh and Blood2019-01-15 · ★ 8.1
  • 11. Redwood2019-01-22 · ★ 7.7
  • 12. Heartbreak2019-02-12 · ★ 7.3
  • 13. Caught Stealing2019-02-19 · ★ 7.9
  • 14. Plain Clothes Day2019-02-26 · ★ 8.4
  • 15. Manhunt2019-03-05 · ★ 8.1
  • 16. Greenlight2019-03-19 · ★ 9.0
  • 17. The Shake Up2019-03-26 · ★ 8.0
  • 18. Homefront2019-04-02 · ★ 7.7
  • 19. The Checklist2019-04-09 · ★ 8.0
  • 20. Free Fall2019-04-16 · ★ 8.1
Season 22019 · 20 ep
  • 1. Impact2019-09-29 · ★ 7.8
  • 2. The Night General2019-10-06 · ★ 8.1
  • 3. The Bet2019-10-13 · ★ 8.0
  • 4. Warriors and Guardians2019-10-20 · ★ 8.3
  • 5. Tough Love2019-10-27 · ★ 7.9
  • 6. Fallout2019-11-03 · ★ 8.3
  • 7. Safety2019-11-10 · ★ 7.8
  • 8. Clean Cut2019-11-17 · ★ 8.3
  • 9. Breaking Point2019-12-01 · ★ 7.9
  • 10. The Dark Side2019-12-08 · ★ 8.3
  • 11. Day of Death2020-02-23 · ★ 9.2
  • 12. Now and Then2020-03-01 · ★ 7.9
  • 13. Follow-Up Day2020-03-08 · ★ 7.5
  • 14. Casualties2020-03-15 · ★ 8.3
  • 15. Hand-Off2020-03-22 · ★ 8.0
  • 16. The Overnight2020-04-05 · ★ 8.0
  • 17. Control2020-04-12 · ★ 8.1
  • 18. Under the Gun2020-04-26 · ★ 8.4
  • 19. The Q Word (1)2020-05-03 · ★ 8.4
  • 20. The Hunt (2)2020-05-10 · ★ 8.4
Season 32021 · 14 ep
  • 1. Consequences2021-01-03 · ★ 8.4
  • 2. In Justice2021-01-10 · ★ 7.2
  • 3. La Fiera2021-01-17 · ★ 7.1
  • 4. Sabotage2021-01-24 · ★ 7.4
  • 5. Lockdown2021-02-14 · ★ 7.7
  • 6. Revelations2021-02-21 · ★ 7.4
  • 7. True Crime2021-02-28 · ★ 6.0
  • 8. Bad Blood2021-03-28 · ★ 7.2
  • 9. Amber2021-04-04 · ★ 7.5
  • 10. Man of Honor2021-04-11 · ★ 7.4
  • 11. New Blood2021-04-18 · ★ 7.7
  • 12. Brave Heart2021-05-02 · ★ 8.1
  • 13. Triple Duty2021-05-09 · ★ 8.1
  • 14. Threshold2021-05-16 · ★ 8.5
Season 42021 · 22 ep
  • 1. Life and Death2021-09-26 · ★ 8.4
  • 2. Five Minutes2021-10-03 · ★ 8.1
  • 3. In the Line of Fire2021-10-10 · ★ 8.0
  • 4. Red Hot2021-10-17 · ★ 7.9
  • 5. A.C.H.2021-10-31 · ★ 8.0
  • 6. Poetic Justice2021-11-07 · ★ 8.4
  • 7. Fire Fight2021-11-14 · ★ 8.2
  • 8. Hit and Run2021-12-05 · ★ 7.9
  • 9. Breakdown2021-12-12 · ★ 7.5
  • 10. Heart Beat2022-01-02 · ★ 8.4
  • 11. End Game2022-01-09 · ★ 8.1
  • 12. The Knock2022-01-23 · ★ 7.7
  • 13. Fight or Flight2022-01-30 · ★ 8.0
  • 14. Long Shot2022-02-27 · ★ 7.4
  • 15. Hit List2022-03-06 · ★ 7.3
  • 16. Real Crime2022-03-13 · ★ 6.1
  • 17. Coding2022-04-03 · ★ 8.0
  • 18. Backstabbers2022-04-10 · ★ 7.9
  • 19. Simone2022-04-24 · ★ 7.6
  • 20. Enervo2022-05-01 · ★ 7.1
  • 21. Mother's Day2022-05-08 · ★ 8.4
  • 22. Day in the Hole2022-05-15 · ★ 8.4
Season 52022 · 22 ep
  • 1. Double Down2022-09-25 · ★ 9.2
  • 2. Labor Day2022-10-02 · ★ 8.6
  • 3. Dye Hard2022-10-09 · ★ 8.0
  • 4. The Choice (I)2022-10-16 · ★ 8.1
  • 5. The Fugitive2022-10-23 · ★ 7.9
  • 6. The Reckoning2022-10-30 · ★ 7.4
  • 7. Crossfire2022-11-06 · ★ 7.9
  • 8. The Collar2022-12-04 · ★ 7.8
  • 9. Take Back2022-12-04 · ★ 7.5
  • 10. The List (I)2023-01-03 · ★ 7.9
  • 11. The Naked and the Dead2023-01-10 · ★ 7.7
  • 12. Death Notice2023-01-17 · ★ 8.1
  • 13. Daddy Cop2023-01-24 · ★ 8.3
  • 14. Death Sentence2023-01-31 · ★ 8.1
  • 15. The Con2023-02-14 · ★ 7.9
  • 16. Exposed2023-02-21 · ★ 7.8
  • 17. The Enemy Within (I)2023-02-28 · ★ 7.8
  • 18. Double Trouble2023-03-21 · ★ 7.1
  • 19. A Hole in the World2023-03-28 · ★ 8.4
  • 20. S.T.R.2023-04-18 · ★ 8.4
  • 21. Going Under (I)2023-04-25 · ★ 8.3
  • 22. Under Siege2023-05-02 · ★ 8.9
Season 62024 · 10 ep
  • 1. Strike Back2024-02-20 · ★ 9.0
  • 2. The Hammer2024-02-27 · ★ 8.8
  • 3. Trouble in Paradise2024-03-05 · ★ 9.0
  • 4. Training Day2024-03-26 · ★ 9.0
  • 5. The Vow2024-04-02 · ★ 8.8
  • 6. Secrets and Lies2024-04-09 · ★ 8.8
  • 7. Crushed2024-04-30 · ★ 8.7
  • 8. Punch Card2024-05-07 · ★ 8.4
  • 9. The Squeeze2024-05-14 · ★ 9.2
  • 10. Escape Plan2024-05-21 · ★ 8.9
Season 72025 · 18 ep
  • 1. The Shot2025-01-07 · ★ 9.0
  • 2. The Watcher2025-01-14 · ★ 8.6
  • 3. Out of Pocket2025-01-21 · ★ 8.9
  • 4. Darkness Falling2025-01-28 · ★ 8.9
  • 5. Til Death2025-02-04 · ★ 8.8
  • 6. The Gala2025-02-11 · ★ 8.8
  • 7. The Mickey2025-02-18 · ★ 8.8
  • 8. Wildfire2025-02-25 · ★ 9.2
  • 9. The Kiss2025-03-11 · ★ 8.7
  • 10. Chaos Agent2025-03-18 · ★ 8.6
  • 11. Speed2025-03-25 · ★ 8.7
  • 12. April Fools2025-04-01 · ★ 9.1
  • 13. Three Billboards2025-04-08 · ★ 8.5
  • 14. Mad About Murder2025-04-15 · ★ 8.5
  • 15. A Deadly Secret2025-04-22 · ★ 6.7
  • 16. The Return2025-04-29 · ★ 8.9
  • 17. Mutiny and the Bounty2025-05-06 · ★ 8.4
  • 18. The Good, the Bad, and the Oscar2025-05-13 · ★ 8.6
Season 82026 · 18 ep
  • 1. Czech Mate2026-01-06 · ★ 9.3
  • 2. Fast Andy2026-01-13 · ★ 9.3
  • 3. The Red Place2026-01-20 · ★ 9.2
  • 4. Cut and Run2026-01-26 · ★ 8.8
  • 5. The Network2026-02-02 · ★ 9.0
  • 6. Burn 4 Love2026-02-09 · ★ 9.4
  • 7. Baja2026-02-16 · ★ 9.1
  • 8. Grand Theft Aircraft2026-02-23 · ★ 9.2
  • 9. Fun and Games2026-03-02 · ★ 9.2
  • 10. His Name Was Martin2026-03-09 · ★ 8.7
  • 11. Aftermath2026-03-16 · ★ 9.2
  • 12. Spy Games2026-03-23 · ★ 9.2
  • 13. The Thinker2026-03-30 · ★ 8.9
  • 14. Tiger Bear2026-04-06 · ★ 8.8
  • 15. Survive the Streets2026-04-13 · ★ 5.9
  • 16. Out of Time2026-04-20 · ★ 9.5
  • 17. Dead Ringer2026-04-27 · ★ 9.5
  • 18. The Bandit2026-05-04 · ★ 9.0
Season 9TBA · 0 ep

The Rookie latest news

Shows like The Rookie

Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon

Emergency!

Emergency!

Law & Order: LA

Law & Order: LA

On Call

On Call

21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street

Southland

Southland

Angie Tribeca

Angie Tribeca

The Closer

The Closer

L.A.'s Finest

L.A.'s Finest

S.W.A.T.

S.W.A.T.

Ballard

Ballard

Countdown

Countdown

Frequently asked

Is The Rookie renewed or cancelled?
The Rookie has proven itself one of ABC's most durable procedurals, completing nine seasons and remaining listed as a "Returning Series" on TMDB through May 2026. While no recent news articles confirm a Season 10 pickup, the show's long run and ABC's historically loyal relationship with successful procedurals lean positive. Renewal is more likely than not, though the absence of any fresh confirmation adds uncertainty.
When will The Rookie Season 9 be released?
If The Rookie is renewed for a tenth season, ABC's standard scheduling pattern would place it in the fall 2026 premiere window, likely September or October 2026 — consistent with its historical premiere dates. The show has aired in the fall every season since its 2018 debut, and there is no structural reason to expect a departure from that pattern. A mid-season premiere (January 2027) is possible if production timelines are delayed by late renewal negotiations, but fall 2026 remains the most probable target. Given that the Season 9 finale aired in early May 2026, a renewal announcement would need to come within weeks to keep a fall 2026 launch on track.
How many seasons of The Rookie are there?
The Rookie has aired 9 seasons so far.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first.

Sign in to review →

    Comments (0)

    Sign in to comment →

    No comments yet — start the conversation.