The Rookie Makes ABC History With Season 9 as One of Network’s Longest-Running Dramas

The Rookie is heading into its ninth season, and the long-running ABC drama is officially joining some very exclusive company.

ABC has confirmed that The Rookie will return for Season 9 in early 2027, after the Nathan Fillion-led series was held for the network’s midseason lineup rather than returning during the fall. The series was officially renewed earlier this year, and its upcoming return marks another major milestone for the popular police drama. 

With its ninth season, The Rookie will become one of only five ABC primetime scripted dramas to reach nine or more seasons.

That puts the series among some of the biggest and longest-running dramas in ABC history.

Only NYPD Blue, which ran for 12 seasons, and Grey’s Anatomy, which is heading into its 23rd season, have lasted longer. With Season 9, The Rookie will tie Dynasty and The F.B.I. for the third-most seasons by an ABC primetime scripted drama. 

It’s an impressive accomplishment for a series that first premiered in 2018.

Starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, The Rookie follows a man who makes a dramatic career change later in life and joins the Los Angeles Police Department, becoming the oldest rookie on the force. Over the years, the show has grown into one of ABC’s most dependable dramas, building a loyal fanbase through its mix of action, humor and character-driven storytelling. 

And the future appears to be bright for the franchise.

There has been no announcement suggesting that Season 9 will be The Rookie’s final season, while ABC is also preparing to expand the universe with The Rookie: North, a new spinoff that is also expected to debut in 2027. 

That means The Rookie could potentially move past Dynasty and The F.B.I. in the years ahead if ABC continues renewing the series.

For now, fans can celebrate the fact that John Nolan and the rest of the Mid-Wilshire crew are about to make history.

After eight successful seasons, The Rookie has proven that it still has plenty of life left—and Season 9 could be another major chapter for one of ABC’s most enduring modern dramas.