The Rookie offers a refreshing perspective within the widely-loved crime procedural genre. This series captures audiences with its unique blend of humor, an engaging ensemble cast, and thrilling high-stakes drama. Fans of ABC’s acclaimed show often seek similar content that can bridge the gap between weekly episodes. The narrative centers around John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion, a middle-aged divorcee who pursues his lifelong ambition of becoming an LAPD officer in his 40s.
The show thrives on its dynamic character interactions, where episodes are teeming with electrifying action intertwined with elements of romance and interpersonal drama. For those yearning for shows akin to The Rookie, various options span from the traditional police staples like Law & Order to eccentric comedies such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ensuring there are numerous alternatives to quench that desire for compelling storytelling. While the police procedural landscape is vast, only the most exceptional series achieve the same character-driven charm as The Rookie.
20 Monk (2002-2009)
A Former Detective with OCD Solves Crimes
In this critically acclaimed series, Tony Shalhoub portrays Adrian Monk, a brilliant homicide detective whose life spirals after the unresolved murder of his wife. After his breakdown, he transitions into a private investigator, leveraging his obsessive-compulsive disorder to identify the smallest details in crime scenes. The central narrative revolves around Monk’s quest to solve his wife’s murder, yet each episode encapsulates his unique problem-solving approach.
The overall ambiance of Monk resonates with that of The Rookie. Each show carries a light-hearted tone, with the capability of delving into dark themes when necessary. Both leads exhibit strong performances, making them integral to their shows’ success.
19 Bones (2005-2017)
An FBI Agent Teams with a Forensic Anthropologist
David Boreanaz stars as FBI agent Seeley Booth, who teams up with forensic anthropologist Temperance “Bones”Brennan, played by Emily Deschanel. Similar to The Rookie, the couple serves as lead characters within a broader ensemble, where secondary characters also significantly influence both cases and personal dynamics.
The persistent “will they or won’t they?”premise weaves throughout each show, heightening emotional investment. Both series display shared humor and romantic undertones; in The Rookie, the focus is primarily on Chen and Bradford, while Bones revolves around Booth and Brennan, whose relationship evolves throughout the series.
18 Criminal Minds (2005-)
The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit
Criminal Minds diverges slightly from the light-hearted tone of The Rookie, as it delves into the minds of notorious criminals. While The Rookie features high-stakes scenarios with serious adversaries, Criminal Minds closely examines the actions of the darkest offenders, often inspired by real-life cases.
The core strength of Criminal Minds lies not only in its chilling antagonists but also in the profound relationships among team members. This sense of camaraderie grows into a key theme as The Rookie similarly emphasizes the bonds between LAPD officers, focusing on their teamwork as much as their criminal investigations.
17 Rookie Blue (2010-2015)
The Original Show About Police Rookies
The Rookie revolves around rookie police officers along with their training officers. Echoing this premise, Rookie Blue employs a similar narrative where a group of Canadian rookie officers strives for recognition amidst their law enforcement duties. Rookie Blue features an ensemble cast with familiar faces, including Missy Peregrym who would later star in FBI.
Much like The Rookie, this series emphasizes the characters’ relationships, making it a perfect companion to the more recent show.
16 Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)
Police Officers Solve Crimes in Hawai’i
As a contemporary reimagining of the beloved Hawaii Five-O, this series chronicles the adventures of a dynamic police unit in Hawaii, combining complex crime-solving with rich character interactions. The reboot effectively maintains a similar vibe to The Rookie, as character relationships prevail, both in their policing careers and personal lives.
The lead characters, portrayed by Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, foster a compelling narrative that persisted through ten successful seasons before culminating in 2020.
15 CHiPs (1977 – 1983)
Two Motorcycle Cops in California
Blending humor and crime-solving, CHiPs quickly became a quintessential piece of American television history. This timeless series centers on the daily lives of California Highway Patrol officers, focusing more on character development than the police procedural aside. Like The Rookie, the audience becomes emotionally invested in the characters, making the suspenseful moments all the more thrilling.
Though it may seem dated today, the series remains an enjoyable watch and ranks high among similar shows.
14 Blue Bloods (2010-2024)
A Team of New York Police Officers with Family Values
At the core of Blue Bloods lies the theme of family, mirroring the central focus of The Rookie. Centered on the Reagan family—multigenerational law enforcement officers led by Police Commissioner Frank Reagan—the series captures compelling narratives and diverse perspectives that resonate with various familial dynamics. Audiences who appreciate The Rookie’s character-driven approach will find familiarity in Blue Bloods, offering a similar mix of relatable struggles and engaging police stories.
13 Third Watch (1999 – 2005)
A Series Combining First Responders & Police Officers
Third Watch paved the way for contemporary series by blending police, paramedics, and firefighters into a single narrative thread. Set in New York City, this engaging series paralleled The Rookie, spotlighting officers navigating personal and professional challenges.
By intertwining the stories of multiple first responders, it offered a unique perspective not commonly seen in the procedural genre, enhancing its appeal.
12 S.W.A.T. (2017 —)
A Reboot of the Classic Police Procedural
S.W.A.T. explores a seasoned officer balancing his street loyalty with that to his team, paralleling Nolan’s struggles in The Rookie. Although more politically charged than its lighter counterpart, S.W.A.T. delivers character depth and lively action consistent with the procedural scheme. Both shows engage viewers with gripping action sequences interwoven within their narrative threads.
11 Law & Order (1990 –)
The Original Law & Order Series
Law & Order continues to set benchmarks for police procedural drama, providing a robust foundation for shows like The Rookie. This storied series highlights the gripping intersection of investigation and prosecution, showcasing detectives tackling intricate cases with a storytelling style that captivates viewers.
While it might not be as character-centric as The Rookie, its memorable past seasons delivered dramatic narratives, maintaining a revered status within the genre.
10 Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)
A Comedy Slant on Police Procedurals
Balancing drama with levity, Brooklyn Nine-Nine delivers an entertaining spoof of crime procedurals centered at Brooklyn’s 99th precinct. Featuring immature yet ambitious detective Jake Peralta, it perfectly complements the dramatics of The Rookie while embodying a vibrant sense of humor and engaging action sequences that will keep fans captivated.
Through its unique storytelling and character-driven approach, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has developed its own successful legacy, resonating well with fans of both humor and police dramas.
9 Southland (2009 – 2013)
A New Cop Joins the LAPD
Sharing a common setting in Los Angeles, Southland chronicles the struggles of an LAPD rookie and is a noteworthy companion to The Rookie. Newly minted officer Ben Sherman finds himself reassessing his position amid a partner’s traditional methods.
Though it carries a darker tone, the character-driven narrative compels audiences to empathize with the struggles faced by law enforcement. The show invites viewers to examine not just crime but the human condition, similar to The Rookie despite diverging in tone.
8 LA’s Finest (2019 – 2020)
The Spin-Off from Bad Boys
Although it only ran for two seasons, LA’s Finest marries comedy and action in a captivating manner familiar to fans of The Rookie. This spinoff from the Bad Boys franchise follows two detectives as they tackle Los Angeles’ criminal underbelly while navigating their complicated pasts. Through its engaging character dynamics and pulse-pounding cases, LA’s Finest offers a binge-watch worthy alternative, echoing themes of camaraderie and conflict found in The Rookie.
7 Chicago P.D. (2014 –)
The One Chicago Police Procedural
Deepening the roots of police procedurals, Chicago P.D. focuses on the intelligence unit of the titular department as they combat serious crime with the aid of specialized skills. Captivating audiences much like The Rookie, the series melds character development with gripping action while maintaining side plots that explore officers’ personal lives.
Although more procedural than character-driven, viewers remain invested in the core group, as their interpersonal relationships add richness to the narrative canvas.
6 9-1-1 (2018 –)
The First Responders
Co-created by Ryan Murphy, 9-1-1 defies conventional norms with its cheeky flair. This drama focuses on the varied lives and professions of LA’s emergency responders, merging humor with high-stakes action in a captivating narrative framework. Its approachable storytelling and LA-centric setting parallel the core themes of The Rookie, providing extensive storytelling potential.
5 FBI (2018 —)
The FBI Series Set in New York City
Under the adept direction of Dick Wolf, known for the Law & Order franchise, FBI stands out as one of the best procedural dramas similar to The Rookie. Following agents Maggie Bell and Omar Zidan, the series highlights an array of bizarre, serious cases in the high-paced world of the FBI’s New York office. Viewers will form connections with the leads, mirroring their affinity for John Nolan and his team in The Rookie.
4 Castle (2009 — 2016)
Nathan Fillion’s Former Hit Show
A hidden gem for fans of The Rookie is Castle, featuring Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle. This compelling series couples mystery-solving with romantic tension, as Castle partners with NYPD detective Kate Beckett to tackle various criminal cases. The series flourishes with witty dialogue and engaging story arcs, echoing the character depth and humor found in The Rookie.
3 NCIS (2003 —)
The Navy Law Enforcement Series
With a legacy spanning over two decades, NCIS remains a paragon of successful procedural drama, appealing to fans of The Rookie. The show artfully intertwines crime investigation with character-driven narratives, showcasing a dedicated NCIS team as they tackle naval and military crimes. The series’ ability to weave gripping storylines with humor allows it to maintain viewer engagement, reminiscent of The Rookie‘s delicate balance of drama and comedy.
2 The Closer (2005 — 2012)
A CIA Interrogator Turned LAPD Chief
For viewers searching for deeper insights into law enforcement’s effects on individuals, The Closer captivates with the story of LAPD Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, portrayed by Kyra Sedgwick. Combining her CIA training with police work, Johnson focuses on high-stakes interrogations and extracting confessions, much like the character-driven narratives in The Rookie. Although it leans more gravely than its lighter counterpart, both series showcase a profound examination of the characters’ psyche amidst challenging circumstances.
1 The Mentalist (2008 — 2015)
A Psychic Assists the CBI
The Mentalist offers a profound narrative much like The Rookie. The series features the charming Patrick Jane, who transitions from a fake psychic to a seasoned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation. Both leads, new to their distinctly challenging paths, experience personal transformations against a backdrop of intense crime-solving, blended with humor and unique perspectives. The successful run of The Mentalist highlights its critical acclaim and serves as an excellent pick for fans seeking content similar to The Rookie.
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