The Rookie has been an engaging mix of humor, drama, and police procedural, capturing viewers with its unique premise of a middle-aged man, John Nolan, deciding to become a police officer after a life-altering event. However, over the years, the show has had its ups and downs, with some seasons delivering stronger stories than others. Let’s break down every season so far, ranking them based on overall quality, character development, and story arcs.
1. Season 1 – The Best Start
Season 1 remains the best in the series, introducing the refreshing concept of a middle-aged man entering the police force. Nathan Fillion‘s portrayal of John Nolan is charming and relatable, making him instantly likable. The season had a perfect balance of humor, heart, and crime-solving. The ensemble cast—including Lucy, Tim, and Angela—was compelling, and the dynamic between them set a strong foundation for future seasons.
This season focused on the challenges Nolan faced as a rookie cop and explored themes of age, second chances, and self-discovery. The comedic moments felt organic, and the cases were intriguing without overshadowing the characters’ personal journeys. It didn’t rush to build to any huge twists but focused on solid character development and realistic policing, offering a refreshing change from the typical young rookie cop stories.
Why it’s the best: The introduction of memorable characters, the relatable protagonist, and the mixture of comedy and drama made it stand out as a truly unique take on the genre.
2. Season 2 – Wild Twists & Shocking Revelations
Season 2 continues with the solid foundation laid by its predecessor but ramps up the intensity with wild plot twists and shocking moments. This season opens right after the major cliffhanger in the Season 1 finale, bringing high stakes right out of the gate. The show became more of an ensemble piece, focusing not just on Nolan, but also on the other rookie cops—Lucy, Tim, and Angela—as they dealt with their own personal and professional challenges.
One of the standout moments of this season was the introduction of Rosalind Dyer, a chilling serial killer with a spine-tingling presence, played by Annie Wersching. Her story arc gave the season a gripping undercurrent of tension, especially when she managed to manipulate those around her despite being incarcerated. There were also significant personal storylines, like Nolan’s brief romance with Grace, which added depth to his character.
Why it’s great: The shocking twists, intense moments, and the chilling villain, Rosalind Dyer, kept fans on the edge of their seats. It also explored more complex themes of loyalty, manipulation, and redemption.
3. Season 5 – A Return to Form
After a somewhat rocky Season 3 and 4, Season 5 finds The Rookie back on track, delivering one of the more exciting seasons to date. The cases were more engaging, mixing action, drama, and humor, which had been missing in previous seasons. This season also marks Nolan‘s growth, as he officially becomes a training officer, taking Celina Juarez (a rookie of his own) under his wing. This dynamic added a fresh perspective to Nolan’s character, as he struggled with balancing mentorship and the high expectations placed on him.
The season finale was a real highlight, with a shocking cliffhanger that kept fans buzzing until the next season. Tim and Lucy’s evolving relationship also added an emotional layer, with their first kiss and the complex dynamics of being partners both in and outside of work.
Why it’s great: A stronger balance of action and character development, with exciting new dynamics and a cliffhanger that had viewers eager for more.
4. Season 4 – Shifting Gears, High Stakes Drama
Season 4 faced a difficult task: following the emotional weight of Jackson West’s (played by Titus Makin Jr.) death in Season 3. While the transition away from political storylines and back toward character-driven plots was appreciated, it felt like a major tonal shift for the show. The focus was more on high-stakes, action-packed storylines—complete with shootouts, cartel operations, and spy missions—far removed from the laid-back street cop vibe of earlier seasons.
This shift to more “NCIS”-style action sometimes felt a bit out of place for the show, but it did offer some exciting episodes and notable character arcs. The loss of Jackson left a hole, but the show’s ability to keep pushing forward, while introducing new characters and storylines, helped it maintain its momentum.
Why it’s solid: The transition to higher stakes gave the season a fresh vibe, but it struggled to retain the charm of earlier seasons.
5. Season 3 – The Unfortunate Misstep
Season 3 is perhaps the most divisive season of The Rookie. It was hampered by a mix of real-world events (like the COVID-19 pandemic and the writers’ strike), production delays, and a shift in tone. The season felt uneven, with some episodes falling flat, particularly when it ventured into political storylines like corruption, police brutality, and racial inequality. These heavy topics were often tackled in a rushed and at times unconvincing way.
The season also suffered from review bombing due to the pacing and the controversial nature of some plotlines. With only 14 episodes (down from the usual 20-22), it lacked the usual momentum of a full season. However, despite these challenges, there were moments of strong character development and a cliffhanger that left fans desperate for answers.
Why it’s flawed: Inconsistent writing, rushed storylines, and an over-ambitious attempt at tackling political issues led to a season that felt disjointed and uneven.
6. Season 6 – A Shaky Step Forward
Season 6 faced many challenges, from a shortened episode count (just 10 episodes) to some overly far-fetched plot developments, like a lawyer-turned-criminal kingpin and an officer being sent to a jurisdiction outside their own. Like Season 3, Season 6 suffered from a predictable plot twist—Oscar, the villain, was revealed to be behind bars manipulating events from the inside. Unfortunately, the reveal was spoiled ahead of the season finale, robbing it of its shock value.
With the writers’ strike cutting the season short, there wasn’t enough room for the kind of ensemble-driven storytelling that The Rookie had become known for. Many of the subplots felt rushed or underdeveloped, and the lack of an overarching narrative arc made the season feel less cohesive than previous ones.
Why it’s weak: Predictable plot twists, missed opportunities to develop secondary characters, and the feeling that the show didn’t quite know what direction it wanted to go in made this a forgettable season.
The Rookie has had its share of highs and lows, with Season 1 still standing as the most memorable and well-rounded of the series. While Seasons 2 and 5 remain fan favorites due to their strong plots and character development, later seasons like 3 and 6 struggled with inconsistent writing and external pressures affecting their quality. Despite the bumps, the show remains a favorite among viewers, continuously finding ways to adapt and evolve.
The Rookie’s future seems bright, with intriguing developments and cliffhangers on the horizon. If the show can maintain its character-driven focus while fine-tuning its dramatic arcs, it will continue to win back fans season after season.
