At this point, there are no signs that the two arcs connect. In fact, Regan plays two distinctive villains, with one being a whip-smart lawyer and the other being a determined researcher. The only similarity between the two characters is that they have questionable ethics. The contagion plotline has not come up in The Rookie season 7. At least when it came to 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star, there was a mention of Chimney’s near-death experience from 9-1-1 season 1 in 9-1-1: Lone Star to indicate they were in the same universe. Based on Hawley’s words, The Rookie and 9-1-1 are not in the same universe officially. This doesn’t rule out the potential for the two to end up within the same world, as both shows have been renewed by ABC for 2025–2026, and they remain set in the same location. If the two production teams could make it work, the wish of those watching could come true.
Let’s face it—if you’re a fan of fast-paced action, emotional drama, and cops saving lives on the daily, you’ve probably binged both The Rookie and 9-1-1. And somewhere along the line, you might’ve asked yourself: “Wait… could these two shows be in the same universe?” The vibes match. The cities overlap. The stakes? Always sky-high. But as much as fans want that crossover moment, it’s time to get real. Spoiler alert: The Rookie and 9-1-1 do not officially exist in the same TV universe. Yep, even though it feels like they should. So, what gives? Let’s dive deep into the reasons why these two hit series remain separate worlds—despite all the juicy potential.
The Shows in Question — What Are They About?
What Is The Rookie All About?
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a 40-something guy who joins the LAPD after a life-altering experience. It’s a mix of gripping action and personal growth wrapped up in intense law enforcement drama. The show’s rooted in Los Angeles and leans into realism with a modern-day take on policing.
What Makes 9-1-1 Stand Out?
9-1-1, created by Ryan Murphy, centers around first responders—firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers—in LA. It throws viewers into explosive emergencies while digging deep into the personal lives of the characters. It’s emotional. It’s chaotic. And it’s a wild ride.
On the Surface, It Seems Like a Shared Universe Makes Sense
Same City, Right?
Both shows take place in Los Angeles, and that’s where the shared universe theory starts. You’d think emergency services would bump into each other at some point, right?
Similar Tones, Similar Chaos
They’re both adrenaline-filled, character-driven, and set against the backdrop of public service. They thrive on high-stakes drama. That’s why fans constantly push for a crossover.
Why They Don’t Officially Exist In the Same Universe
Different Creators, Different Visions
The Rookie was created by Alexi Hawley. 9-1-1? That’s Ryan Murphy’s baby. Different creators often mean different rules, tones, and branding strategies.
Production Companies Clash
Behind-the-scenes logistics matter more than fans realize. The Rookie is produced by ABC Studios, while 9-1-1 originally aired on FOX (and now lives on ABC after network shifts). Even though they’re both under Disney’s roof now, the production arms haven’t merged creatively.
Missed Opportunities For Crossover Events
Crossovers Take Planning
Crossovers are more than throwing characters together—they require heavy coordination between writers, directors, and legal teams. Without a shared showrunner or universe planner, it’s tough.
No Canonical References
Have you ever seen a 9-1-1 character mention Nolan or the LAPD rookies? Nope. The absence of even subtle nods tells you everything.
Timeline Conflicts & Narrative Styles
Are The Shows Even On the Same Timeline?
This is a big one. The emergencies, disasters, and major events never overlap. When 9-1-1 deals with an LA earthquake, The Rookie doesn’t even flinch. It’s like they’re in alternate timelines.
Storytelling Differences
9-1-1 leans into the dramatic and occasionally the bizarre (think: tsunami episodes). The Rookie stays grounded in police procedural realism. That stylistic gap is too wide to ignore.
Fan Theories That Try to Bridge the Gap
Social Media Speculation
Reddit and Twitter are full of fans drawing wild connections. Like, “What if Athena from 9-1-1 arrested Nolan before he joined the force?” It’s fun. But it’s just headcanon.
The “Multiverse” Theory
Some fans go full Marvel and say both shows exist in parallel universes—same city, different outcomes. It’s creative. But again, not canon.
Has There Ever Been a Shared Actor or Easter Egg?
Shared Actors, Different Roles
Some actors have appeared in both shows—but as totally different characters. That breaks immersion if you’re hoping for a true crossover.
Easter Eggs? Not Quite
Neither show drops easter eggs about the other. No firehouse references in The Rookie. No LAPD rookies chatting about their training on 9-1-1. Nada.
Network Politics & The Branding Issue
Competing Brand Identity
Even now that both shows are technically part of Disney’s empire, they maintain separate brand identities. A crossover would risk blending them too much.
Too Many Creative Hands
More cooks in the kitchen = more complications. Crossovers thrive in streamlined universes. Here, it’s a production traffic jam.
Could a Crossover Still Happen in the Future?
Never Say Never in Hollywood
While unlikely, TV history has surprised us before. If fan demand explodes or a network mandates it, who knows?
It Would Require a Major Pivot
For a crossover to work, the shows would need to align tonally, narratively, and production-wise. That’s a tall order.
Conclusion — Separate, But Still Epic
So here’s the deal: The Rookie and 9-1-1 may feel like they should exist in the same TV universe—but they don’t. Different creators, different vibes, and no real crossover breadcrumbs mean they’re running parallel… but never touching.
And you know what? That’s okay. Both shows stand strong on their own. They’ve built passionate fanbases, told unforgettable stories, and carved out their own corners of television.
Still want a crossover? That’s the beauty of fanfiction.
