Eric Winter reveals The Rookie’s secret to popularity, the reason why it outshines NCIS for modern viewers.
While NCIS has been a staple in the procedural drama genre for over two decades, there’s a rising contender that has captured the hearts of audiences. It is giving the long-running hit a run for its money. The Rookie, which premiered in 2018, has emerged as a standout series, gaining widespread popularity and attracting a diverse and ever-growing fanbase.
What sets the show apart in an increasingly crowded field of police procedurals is the growing social media presence. Even The Rookie star Eric Winter is amazed by the show gaining momentum, especially through social media.
The Rookie star, Eric Winter, admitted the show’s popularity due to its social media presence
As The Rookie hits its seventh season, Eric Winter, who stars as the fan-favorite Tim Bradford, is excited to delve deeper into the complexities of his character and the evolving dynamics of the show. Winter plays the strict, no-nonsense police officer opposite Nathan Fillion, who has seen his character evolve from a hardened mentor to a more emotionally nuanced individual.
Since its debut in 2018, The Rookie has become a standout hit for ABC, firmly establishing itself as one of the network’s top scripted dramas. The show has not only captured the attention of viewers but has also become one of Hulu’s most-watched series. This impressive achievement highlights the series’ growing popularity, bolstered by its loyal fanbase and compelling storytelling.
During an interview with Haute Living in 2024, Winter reflected on how much the show has grown over the years. He acknowledges the strong fan connection, which has only deepened thanks to the series’ vibrant presence on social media platforms.
It’s really incredible to see a show like this becoming even more popular due to its social media presence. Really goes to show you the power of social media with TV and Film these days.
In fact, much of The Rookie‘s rise to prominence can be attributed to its viral success on platforms like TikTok, where fan edits and clips of emotional moments have helped expand its viewership, particularly among younger audiences. “So many new fans have come up to me and said they found our show because they have been seeing clips and edits on TikTok,” Winter shared. He also expressed his gratitude for the increasing presence on social media,
I love our fandom and the broad demo we reach because of our social media presence.
While NCIS is undoubtedly popular, it hasn’t capitalized on the viral nature of social media in the same way. The show has tapped into a new era of fan engagement, with clips from the show frequently trending on social media, driving new viewers to check it out.
This modern, fan-driven strategy gives the ABC show a unique advantage over older procedurals like NCIS.
Eric Winter wants to explore his past more in season 7 of The Rookie
In the interview, Winter expressed that Season 7 brings an exciting opportunity to further explore his character’s backstory and relationships. Tim Bradford’s tough exterior has always been a defining characteristic, but as the show progresses, viewers have seen glimpses of the man behind the badge. Winter is particularly looking forward to delving into Tim’s family dynamics, specifically his relationship with his mother and sister, something fans have been curious about for some time. He explained,
I’ve been hoping to explore the relationship between Tim and his mom. His upbringing with his dad was awful and I feel like he really loves his mom. So, it would be great to see Tim in a situation med season with his mom and sister.
This emotional exploration is something fans have come to appreciate about the show. While it remains an action-packed procedural, the show is also about the personal growth of its characters, making it more than just another cop drama.
“Chenford” fans are excited about the dynamics between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen, who broke up last season. The latest episode highlighted their lingering feelings, and while they’re not back together, fans hope they will reconnect and rebuild their relationship.
While NCIS has certainly earned its place as a beloved classic in the procedural genre, The Rookie offers a fresh take that resonates with today’s audience. It has carved out its own unique space in the world of police procedurals. The Rookie continues to be a standout on ABC and beyond, captivating viewers with its compelling characters, gripping storylines, and powerful emotional moments.
