This story contains a light recap of The Rookie season 5.
The Rookie aired its season 5 finale in May, and boy did it end with a bang! All season long, the show delivered twists no one saw coming, relationships forming after years of romantic tension and new characters that seriously gave the drama a run for its money.
Fans know that among the many stories season 5 gave us, it started off with Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) going undercover to take down a drug ring. Well, they not only came out of it somewhat unscathed, but it led them to finally admit they were in love with one another. Elsewhere, John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) got himself his first rookie in Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez) while Aaron Thorsen (Tru Valentino) got Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) as his training officer.
The season concluded on a cliffhanger that left the Mid-Wilshire police station with one common, yet unknown enemy. What's more, it seems like the damage he caused in the season 5 finale is just the beginning. With season 6 officially in the works, it's time for fans to delve into some details on what to expect. Here's everything to know about The Rookie season 6, including the release date, cast, and more. Make sure to hit "save" at the top of the article, because we'll be updating this story with all of the latest information.
Will there be a The Rookie season 6?
In mid-April 2023, ABC dropped the news that The Rookie would officially be back for season 6. The show's official Instagram account shared the exciting announcement that the procedural drama would be returning for a new set of storylines.
"It’s official," the show posted on Instagram on April 17. "#TheRookie will return for Season 6!!! 🎉💙."
When word spread that ABC green lit new episodes, fans began rejoicing online. Plenty of The Rookie cast members also shared how thrilled they were.
"Letssss go!!!! Season 6!!!👮♂️," actor Eric Winter captioned a clip on Instagram. "Could not be happier with the news we got today!! @therookieabc fans get ready! We are coming in 🔥🔥🔥. Congrats to our entire cast and crew! We love what we do. @alexihawley @abcnetwork @eone_tv thank you for making this show possible!"
Nathan Fillion also voiced his gratitude for the exciting pickup, sharing a screenshot of a Deadline article.
"I couldn’t be more proud of this show, and I couldn’t be happier about coming back for another season," he captioned it on April 17. "I know what I think is going to happen this next season, but you tell me yours!"
When is the release date for The Rookie season 6?
Mark your calendars, folks, because Mid-Wilshire is officially back in business! In an official announcement made on The Rookie's Instagram, the show revealed season 6 will return on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 9 p.m. ET.
"We’ve been on the edge of our seats, and answers are coming! 🤩," read the caption posted in November 2023. "An all-new season of #TheRookie premieres Tuesday, February 20 on ABC and Stream on Hulu!"
Needless to say, fans were ecstatic upon learning The Rookie will be on the air in early 2024. "I screamed so loud I think my neighbors hate me now 😂 But [I don't care] I'M SO EXCITED 😊 ❤️😁," one person wrote on Instagram. "We’re so ready for season 6," another added. "YESSSSS FINALLY!!! 😍👏," a different viewer declared.
Ahead of ABC revealing The Rookie's return, it looked like it would've been a while before folks got to see what happens in Mid-Wilshire. Amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes earlier this year, ABC released their official fall 2023 schedule without The Rookie in its usual Tuesday night slot. But as both unions struck separate deals with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in late September and early November respectively, fans will now see what the new season has in store very soon.
Make sure you hit "save" at the top of this article to stay up-to-date on the latest news about The Rookie season 6.
Who will be in the cast of The Rookie season 6?
Presently, it looks like The Rookie season 6 cast will include:
- Nathan Fillion as John Nolan
- Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez
- Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey
- Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper
- Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen
- Eric Winter as Tim Bradford
- Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune
- Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers
- Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez
One actor whose fate is up in the air is Tru Valentino, who debuted in season 4 as rookie cop Aaron Thorsen. After becoming a regular in season 5, the finale featured him getting shot while walking with Celina from a night playing Dungeons and Dragons. Though he was rushed to the hospital and made it out of surgery, the last few minutes of the episode showed him in a coma with a Code Blue sounding from his room.
At the same time, it looks like another actor is slated to join Mid-Wilshire in the coming months. Back in March 2023, eagle-eyed fans noticed an acting studio seemingly revealed the season renewal before it was announced with a congratulatory post. The company's Instagram account shared that actor Dave Kumar booked a role for the new season, which could mean something is in the air that will shake up our favorite group of officers and detectives.
"Congrats to @davekumar_ on booking his role in the upcoming season of #ABC’s #TheRookie!!!" read the Instagram post from March 14.
Additionally, it looks like a new person is joining Mid-Wilshire this season. In an announcement made by TVLine on January 18, The Originals actress Danielle Campbell will recur during season 6 as Blair, a psychiatrist working for the LAPD.
Has The Rookie season 6 begun filming?
You bet it has. In early November 2023, show creator Alexi Hawley went on X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared a photo of the script for the season 6 premiere episode. Upon seeing Alexi's image, Eric couldn't help but get excited about the prospect of returning to work after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
"🔥🔥🔥🔥 let’s go @therookie fam!" he wrote on X on November 10.
What's more, the cast continues to share clips of their time filming the latest installment all over social media. In an Instagram post uploaded in mid-January, Eric was seen taking a selfie with Melissa O'Neil and Richard T. Jones in what appeared to be a hospital room. He also took a photo with them alongside Shawn Ashmore as they all sat around in between filming takes.
"Love hanging with these peeps on set!" he wrote on January 17. "Always a good time and way too many laughs. Season 6 coming next month!"
Additionally, Jenna Dewan gave a behind-the-scenes look at filming season 6, posting a series of photos from set and silly videos with Lisseth Chavez.
"@ericwinter started this," she wrote on Instagram on January 10. "Hoping these TikToks can hold you all over until Feb 20th season premiere 😆 @therookieabc."
Did The Rookie release any plot clues or a trailer for season 6?
As of right now, mum's the word on what's to come for season 6. Despite no official announcement on this season's plot line, Eric shared in January 2023 he was excited to see the direction The Rookie continues to take.
"Right now, our ratings are better than ever," he said in a Cameo uploaded to Instagram at the time. "I feel really confident about a season 6. Nothing's official yet, but I do feel confident given the way things are going. So, get ready for more Rookie."
Well, it looks like Eric was on to something, because after a new promo dropped on January 31, things seem to be as dramatic as ever after the events of season 5.
"Call for backup because the Official Trailer for #TheRookie is here. 🚔," the show captioned the new trailer on Instagram. "Clock in for the season premiere Tuesday, Feb 20 on ABC and stream on Hulu!"
Where can I watch and stream The Rookie season 6?
When The Rookie season 6 comes back on the air, you can tune in to ABC on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET for the latest episodes. You can also watch on the ABC site on your laptop or the ABC app on a mobile device. Just keep in mind you'll need your TV provider information in order to start watching.
For those who have streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or fuboTV, you're ready to stream the show as it airs live. If you don't have a login set up yet, the platforms offer free seven-day trials before needing to sign up with a full subscription.
Now, if you can't catch The Rookie live or you just want to watch it at a later point, new episodes will debut on Hulu to stream the next day. If you need to create an account first, you can sign up for plans that start at $7.99 per month. Once you're prepared, head over to the official title page on Hulu's website or on the Hulu app.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
