Fans of ABC’s long-running cop drama finally have something concrete to celebrate: The Rookie Season 9 is officially in motion, and Nathan Fillion himself confirmed when he clocks in.
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The Big Reveal at Comic-Con
Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend — just a day after popping up at the Lanterns panel — Fillion told fans he begins working on Season 9 this coming Monday. Meanwhile, showrunner Alexi Hawley revealed the season had already quietly started filming the previous Tuesday, giving the production a head start before its lead actor even steps on set.
A Shorter Season Ahead
Here’s the twist: Season 9 will run with a reduced episode count compared to the show’s usual output. ABC renewed the series earlier this year, but the trimmed order has left some fans wondering what it signals for the show’s long-term future, even as Fillion has previously said he’d happily play John Nolan for another decade.
The Rookie Season 9: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lead actor start date | This coming Monday |
| Official filming start | Last Tuesday |
| Episode count | Reduced vs. previous seasons |
| Spin-off | The Rookie: North, filming begins in August |
| Where to stream past seasons | Hulu |
| Showrunner | Alexi Hawley |
A Busy Year for Nathan Fillion
Season 9 arrives amid a packed stretch for Fillion, who’s become a key part of James Gunn’s DCU as Guy Gardner in Peacemaker Season 2, with the HBO series Lanterns set to premiere August 16. It’s a reminder of just how much Fillion is juggling while still keeping his flagship procedural on track.
Stick with our entertainment updates hub for more on returning fan-favorite shows, and don’t miss our previous coverage of ABC’s fall lineup for what else is coming this season.
According to Wikipedia, The Rookie premiered on ABC in October 2018 and follows John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD.
FAQs
Q1: When does The Rookie Season 9 start filming?
Production began last Tuesday, with Nathan Fillion confirming he joins the shoot this coming Monday.
Q2: Will The Rookie Season 9 have fewer episodes?
Yes, Season 9 is expected to have a reduced episode count compared to previous seasons.
