Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Police procedural balances high-stakes violence with heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Rookie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Parents say that while some viewers appreciate the character development, humor, and blend of genres in the show, others are frustrated with recent documentary-style episodes that detract from the main storyline. Many highlight the presence of violence, mature themes, and occasional inappropriate content, making it a show best suited for older teens and adults, with mixed opinions on its overall suitability for younger audiences.
- documentary style issues
- character development praised
- mature themes present
- mixed audience opinions
- suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 90 kid reviews
Kids say this show is an engaging and captivating police procedural that mixes humor with realistic and intense situations. While the violence, including injuries and mature themes, may require caution for younger viewers, the characters and their development have garnered the admiration of many, making it a binge-worthy favorite among teens and adults alike.
- engaging storyline
- strong character development
- intense situations
- caution for younger viewers
- humor amidst drama
- suitable for mature teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
On the day he files his divorce papers, 40-something John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) helps thwart a violent bank robbery, which inspires him to reimagine his life and become THE ROOKIE in the Los Angeles Police Department. The show picks up after Nolan has completed basic training and begins his first year on the force. He and fellow first-years Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Jackson West (Titus Makin) are assigned training officers and sent out on patrol. Each episode follows the ever-evolving ensemble cast as they learn and grow on the job, encountering plenty of hardened criminals and eccentric civilians along the way.
Is It Any Good?
No one is going to mistake a Nathan Fillion vehicle for prestige TV—but for a network police show, this series does a lot of things well. The Rookie is unique in that it doesn't use a crime-of-the-week format the way most procedurals do, but rather follows three sets of officers as they go on their patrols, encountering many criminals over the course of the day and keeping the action rolling.
The show has an extremely diverse cast of charismatic actors who can pull off both the dramatic and comedic aspects of the writing. In general, it feels like the writers aren't afraid to take risks and try to breathe some life into a genre that often seems way past its prime. The results are mixed, but The Rookie makes up for its flaws with fast-moving episodes that pack a lot into their run time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Rookie's John Nolan. What inspires him to become a police officer in the middle of his life? What are the obstacles he faces? What advantages does Nolan's age give him? What disadvantages?
In what ways do police officers have to conduct themselves differently from civilians? What are the codes and regulations that they follow? Why do you think they have these codes?
How do Nolan and his co-workers show compassion, humility, and courage on the job? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 16, 2018
- Cast : Nathan Fillion , Melissa O'Neil , Afton Williamson , Richard T. Jones
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Humility
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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