If there’s one thing fans love as much as The Rookie’s action-packed cases, it’s Nathan Fillion’s signature sense of humor — those quick-witted, sometimes painfully corny “dad jokes” that he sneaks into both his on-screen and off-screen moments. And now, it seems even fellow TV legend Jensen Ackles — best known for his long run on Supernatural and recent guest role on The Rookie — has officially given his seal of approval.
The Dad Joke King of the LAPD
Nathan Fillion, who’s played Officer John Nolan since The Rookie premiered in 2018, has long been known for his charming mix of humor and humility. Whether it’s breaking the tension during a high-stakes shootout scene or cracking jokes between takes, Fillion brings an easygoing warmth to the set — something that’s become a defining part of The Rookie’s atmosphere.
According to several cast members, Nathan’s “dad jokes” are legendary. Eric Winter (Tim Bradford) once shared in an interview that Fillion “can’t go five minutes without a pun,” while Melissa O’Neil (Lucy Chen) joked that “half of our bloopers are just Nathan making us laugh when he’s not supposed to.”
But now, one of television’s most respected tough guys — Jensen Ackles — is joining the fun.
A Supernatural Approval
Jensen Ackles, who appeared in The Rookie as Reserve Officer Bailey Noland in Season 8’s early episodes, quickly bonded with the cast — but especially with Fillion. The two actors share a similar fanbase and sense of humor, and according to insiders, they hit it off almost instantly.
During a behind-the-scenes interview for ABC’s On Set with The Rookie, Ackles was asked about what surprised him most about working with Nathan Fillion. His answer?
“Honestly? The dad jokes. I thought I was immune to them after years on Supernatural with Jared [Padalecki]. But Nathan’s on another level. You can’t help but laugh — even when you don’t want to.”
Ackles then added with a grin:
“The man’s a menace with a pun. And I respect it.”
That offhand comment quickly made its way across social media, where fans began celebrating the crossover approval between two of television’s most beloved leading men.
Behind the Scenes: A Friendship in the Making
Sources from the The Rookie set say that the two actors developed a natural camaraderie that extended beyond filming. Both are known for their professionalism and playfulness — often keeping morale high during long shooting days.
Fillion reportedly welcomed Ackles with open arms, joking that “one Jensen per department is more than enough,” referencing how Ackles’ presence seemed to bring an extra spark to the team.
Their interactions on set, from trading quips to improvising between scenes, have already become fan favorites. Some crew members even noted that a few of Fillion’s jokes made it into the final cut of episodes — a subtle nod to his trademark humor that audiences love.
When Humor Meets Heart
While Nathan Fillion’s comedic timing has always been part of his charm — dating back to Firefly and Castle — his humor on The Rookie carries a deeper purpose.
As the oldest active rookie in the LAPD, John Nolan’s character often uses lightheartedness to navigate the stresses of the job. His humor isn’t just about getting a laugh — it’s about resilience, empathy, and leadership.
“Nathan brings warmth to every scene,” said showrunner Alexi Hawley. “The dad jokes might make everyone groan, but they also remind us that this show isn’t just about cops and crime — it’s about humanity.”
And now, with Jensen Ackles’ presence adding a little friendly competition, that humor is shining even brighter.
Fans Can’t Get Enough
After Ackles’ comments went viral, fans flooded social media with excitement, celebrating the unexpected friendship between two TV icons.
On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote:
“Nathan Fillion and Jensen Ackles sharing dad jokes on set? That’s the crossover I didn’t know I needed.”
Another joked:
“Forget The Rookie Season 8 plot — just give us an entire episode of Nathan and Jensen trying to out-dad-joke each other.”
ABC’s official The Rookie account even leaned into the fun, tweeting a photo of the pair with the caption:
“Two legends. Infinite dad jokes. The LAPD will never be the same.”
Beyond the Jokes: A Mutual Respect
While the humor between them has become a fan favorite, both actors have expressed genuine admiration for each other’s craft.
In a recent interview, Fillion praised Ackles for his work ethic and intensity:
“Jensen brings this quiet confidence that elevates every scene. He’s one of those actors who just gets it — and he’s also one of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with.”
Ackles returned the compliment, calling Fillion “a master of timing — whether it’s comedy, drama, or just knowing when to drop the perfect one-liner.”
Their mutual respect has fueled speculation that Ackles might appear in more episodes down the line — something fans are eagerly hoping for.
The Power of Levity on Set
In an era when many police dramas lean heavily on dark, gritty tones, The Rookie continues to balance intensity with humanity — something that Nathan Fillion’s humor helps anchor.
The cast has often credited him with keeping spirits high, especially during emotionally demanding storylines. His “dad jokes” might sound trivial, but they’ve become part of the show’s DNA — a reminder that even in high-stakes worlds, laughter still matters.
And now that Jensen Ackles is officially in on the joke, it seems the The Rookie set just got a little brighter — and a lot funnier.
Final Thoughts
Nathan Fillion’s legacy on The Rookie extends far beyond his leadership as John Nolan. His humor, kindness, and quick wit continue to set the tone for a cast that feels more like a family than a production crew.
And with Jensen Ackles’ recent endorsement, it’s clear: even the toughest guys can’t resist a good dad joke.
