Might John Nolan and Athena Grant ever cross paths on-screen, seeing as they each work for the LAPD — on ABC’s The Rookie and 9-1-1, respectively? After all, 9-1-1 has crossed over with other shows before — including of course its own offshoot, Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star, and just last spring, ABC’s The Bachelor. But to hear The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley explain it, suggesting that his cops enforce the law in the same universe as 9-1-1‘s creates problems than outweigh any fun factor.
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and showrunner Tim Minear, 9-1-1 launched on Fox almost exactly seven years ago, and moved to ABC effective with Season 7. (The series is currently on holiday break, midway through Season 8.) The high-octane drama “explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders — including police officers, firefighters and dispatchers — who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping conditions.”
Among its LAPD contingent, you have Angela Bassett playing aforementioned patrol sergeant Athena Grant, the wife of Peter Krause as Robert “Bobby” Nash, the LAFD Station 118 captain. Athena & Co., however, are unlikely to work a crime scene alongside The Rookie‘s Mid-Wilshire Division peeps. As much as fans of either or both shows might clamor for such a crossing of streams.
Let’s be real — if you’re a fan of high-stakes drama and edge-of-your-seat action, then The Rookie and 9-1-1 are probably your go-to shows. Both are packed with gripping stories, lovable characters, and insane emergencies. So naturally, the idea of a crossover has fans buzzing. Imagine Angela Lopez teaming up with Athena Grant? Epic, right? But hold that thought. The dream crossover may not be as simple as it seems. Recently, The Rookie showrunner opened up about the possibility — and dropped some major truth bombs.
Why Are Fans So Obsessed with a Crossover?
Shared Genre, Shared Audience
These two shows operate in similar spaces — action, emergency response, intense emotional arcs. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. They just fit.
Characters Fans Would Die to See Together
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Lucy Chen and Buck: Two adrenaline junkies? Yes, please.
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Tim Bradford and Bobby Nash: Tactical bros in action.
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John Nolan and Chimney: Can you even imagine the banter?
The Showrunner Speaks Out
Who Said What, and When?
In a recent interview, The Rookie showrunner, Alexi Hawley, addressed the ever-growing chatter around a possible crossover with 9-1-1. While acknowledging the buzz, Hawley explained why it’s… well, complicated.
“It Would Be Hard” — But Why?
Let’s break it down:
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Different Networks:
The Rookie airs on ABC, while 9-1-1 recently moved to ABC from Fox. Although now on the same network, their past affiliations complicate things. -
Separate Production Houses:
Different crews, budgets, schedules, and even filming locations. -
Tone and Universe:
While both are drama-heavy, The Rookie leans more procedural, whereas 9-1-1 has a more disaster-film-of-the-week vibe.
The Network Switch Complication
9-1-1’s Big Move to ABC
Here’s where it gets interesting. 9-1-1 made headlines when it switched from Fox to ABC. That should make a crossover easier… right?
Not So Fast
Even though they’re under the same roof now, that doesn’t magically make a crossover doable. The shows still operate in entirely separate creative ecosystems. Think of it like two roommates who live in the same apartment — but never actually see each other because they work night shifts.
Logistics — The Hidden Villain of Crossovers
Aligning Shooting Schedules
Both shows run tight, back-to-back filming schedules. Coordinating one major crossover episode? It’s like trying to sync two roller coasters mid-loop.
Actor Availability
Let’s not forget — these are ensemble casts. You’re dealing with 10–15 main actors across both shows. That’s a logistical nightmare.
Story Integration Challenges
You can’t just throw one show’s characters into another’s world and call it a day. The storyline has to make sense. Otherwise, it feels forced.
Are the Shows Even in the Same Universe?
Creative Universes May Clash
Even if fans want it, the shows’ worlds might not be built to coexist. The Rookie thrives on LAPD procedural realism, while 9-1-1 leans into larger-than-life catastrophes.
Example – How Would a Tsunami Episode Fit in The Rookie?
It wouldn’t. It would feel out of place unless heavily restructured to match The Rookie’s tone.
What Would a Crossover Look Like If It Happened?
A Crime That Crosses Departments
Maybe there’s a massive case that pulls in both the LAPD and LA’s emergency services. A serial bomber? A coordinated terrorist attack? Now that’s crossover-worthy.
A One-Off Event or Multi-Episode Arc?
The best bet would be a one-time, two-part special — one episode on The Rookie, the second on 9-1-1. Just enough to feed fans without disrupting either show’s flow.
Fan Campaigns Are Heating Up
#Rookie911Crossover Trends
Yep, fans have taken to Twitter, Reddit, and even TikTok to push the dream forward.
Fan Art, Theories, and Dream Cast Lists
Some fans already have entire scripts written in their heads — complete with romantic subplots and high-octane action sequences.
Other ABC Crossovers Have Worked — Why Not This One?
The Grey’s Anatomy x Station 19 Example
ABC successfully merges Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 all the time. So what’s stopping this one?
Different Creative Vision
Those shows were designed with crossover potential from day one. The Rookie and 9-1-1 weren’t.
Could Writers Make It Work Anyway?
Anything’s Possible with Good Writing
If the network wanted it badly enough, the writers could absolutely weave a believable crossover. It just takes vision — and a whole lot of coordination.
Would It Be Worth the Effort?
For ratings? Probably. For storytelling integrity? Depends on execution.
What If It Never Happens?
Let Fans Dream
There’s nothing wrong with good ol’ fan fiction, after all. Let your imagination run wild.
There’s Still Hope for Cameos
Even if a full crossover is off the table, a small cameo — a 30-second call between Athena and Bradford? That could still happen.
Final Word from the Showrunner
Alexi Hawley wrapped it up best:
“We love the idea. We love 9-1-1. But it’s just really hard from a logistical and creative standpoint. That’s not a no — it’s just not easy.”
So, the door isn’t fully closed. Just… slightly ajar.
Conclusion: Don’t Stop Dreaming, But Stay Realistic
A The Rookie and 9-1-1 crossover would be a dream come true for fans. And while the stars may not align right now, it’s not entirely off the table. With more fan pressure, a little network magic, and some clever writing, who knows what might happen in the future? Until then, enjoy the weekly thrills from both shows — and keep those fan theories coming.
