35 Must-Watch Shows to Binge If You Love The Rookie

Currently in its seventh season, the police drama starring Nathan Fillion, titled “ “, has consistently delivered strong performances on ABC. Based on real events, the show chronicles the journey of John Nolan, a middle-aged man going through a divorce, who relocates to California and joins the Los Angeles Police Department as its oldest recruit.

The Rookie” is a blend of investigative police work and personal life stories, offering a man a fresh start in life. Over the course of seven seasons, it has evolved into a full-fledged ensemble, with the relationship between Chen (Mellissa O’Neil) and Bradford (Eric Winter) becoming a captivating aspect for viewers. For those who crave more, here are shows similar to “The Rookie” to satisfy that desire.

The Short-Lived Sci-Fi Series Has a Cult Following

Although Firefly and The Rookie are entirely different shows, there’s one aspect that could captivate fans of police procedurals: Firefly stars Nathan Fillion as Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds, leading a small band who simply aspire to exist. Despite the colossal obstacles they face, the crew aboard the Serenity tirelessly strives to improve their lives.

Although it ran for just one season, the show Firefly has become timelessly beloved. It gave birth to a sequel film, Serenity, and its fanbase has remained strong for over half a century. Several members of the original cast have since experienced successful careers, including Nathan Fillion, Morena Baccarin, Summer Glau, Alan Tudyk, and Adam Baldwin. For fans of The Rookie who are interested in seeing more of Fillion’s early work, Firefly is a great choice, even though it represents a stark contrast to his current television roles.

An Unlikely Pair Leads This Long-Running Procedural

Rizzoli & Isles brings together two seasoned police procedural actors, Angie Harmon from Law & Order playing tough-as-nails detective Jane Rizzoli, and Sasha Alexander of NCIS portraying the straightforward Dr. Maura Isles, a medical examiner. With their contrasting personalities, Boston PD detectives Rizzoli and Isles learn to collaborate, forming an exceptionally effective team that has left its mark on the city’s police department.

Lovers of “The Rookie” might find themselves drawn to “Rizzoli & Isles” due to its similar humor and overall lighter atmosphere, even though it tackles heavy themes. This show was a massive hit during its TNT run, spanning over seven seasons before concluding in 2016. For those eagerly anticipating the next season of “The Rookie”, “Rizzoli & Isles” offers a great alternative to fill the void.

The Prime Video Series Is Getting a Movie Continuation

The most recent version of Tom Clancy’s famous action series is now available as an original production on Prime Video. John Krasinski from “The Office” plays the main character, a CIA analyst who gets involved in fieldwork when he stumbles upon a series of robberies linked to a dangerous terrorist group. Over time, he rises through the ranks at the CIA, completing missions in various locations around the world.

* Jack Ryan, starring John Krasinski, has become one of Prime Video’s top original series, as he skillfully takes over the role from previous actors like Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck, and Chris Pine. The show achieved such success that it led to a film adaptation in progress, wrapping up its fourth season in 2023. Despite being broader in scope, Jack Ryan still offers plenty of action and suspense to captivate fans who enjoy shows like The Rookie for extended periods.

The Alan Ritchson Series Has Multiple Epic Seasons

The action-thriller series “Reacher” is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, derived from Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” book series. This show provides a fresh outlook on the character, who is a former military police officer. He takes on thrilling adventures across the country while uncovering massive conspiracies that could potentially disrupt the stability of the United States.

If you’re fond of classic action heroes, then the modern series Reacher is tailor-made for you. Alan Ritchson excels in his portrayal of Jack Reacher, offering a level of physicality that previous adaptations lacked. With three seasons already under its belt, the series will return for a fourth, continuing the thrilling escapades of Ritchson’s character.

Bosch and Bosch: Legacy are Both Great for Fans of the Rookie

Amazon Prime Video appears to excel in producing action-mixed-with-procedural series adapted from popular books, and “Bosch” is one such example. This show follows the exploits of Detective Harry Bosch, a character who works for the Los Angeles Police Department. Originating from Michael Connely’s novels, the series spanned seven seasons, has a follow-up titled as a continuation, and will soon introduce a spinoff named “Ballard” featuring Maggie Q in the role of the principal detective.

Similar to “The Rookie”, “Bosch” delves into the adventures of the Los Angeles Police Department. Unlike “The Rookie”, which has a larger ensemble cast, “Bosch” primarily focuses on its title character, played by Welliver, and boasts a rich collection of engaging supporting characters. With over ten seasons worth of material to explore, “Bosch” provides an ample amount of entertainment while you wait for new episodes of “The Rookie”.

Tony Shalhoub Shines In This Off-Kilter Crime Comedy Series

Monk is a well-liked police procedural television series that aired from 2002 to 2009, offering eight outstanding seasons for viewers to enjoy at their convenience. The show centers around Tony Shalhoub’s character, Adrian Monk, an obsessive-compulsive detective who returns to the investigative field in an attempt to solve the murder of his wife. During his journey, he receives assistance from various members of the San Francisco Police Department, including Lieutenant Randy Disher and Captain Leland Stottlemeyer.

If you’re a fan of the playful style in police dramas like The Rookie, then you might find Monk particularly appealing. While it tackles serious topics, it does so with a touch of humor that prevents it from becoming too heavy. The character Adrian Monk’s unique traits contribute to the show’s charm and make it distinct among other procedurals, ensuring its popularity even years after it ended its run.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs Gets His Start In This New Entry of the NCIS Franchise

NCIS: Origins is a fresh police procedural series, focusing on the backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show features Austin Stowell portraying a younger Gibbs as he embarks on his career with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in the early 90s. He teams up with Mike Franks and his squad to establish the foundations of a career that would eventually become legendary.

In a unique twist for the NCIS franchise, the show “Origins” delves deeper into character-driven narratives compared to other installments within its TV universe. Essentially, it chronicles the early stages of a law enforcement officer’s distinguished career, similar to how The Rookie portrays the beginnings of a police officer’s career. For enthusiasts of the original series, watching Gibbs’ origins in NCIS is definitely worth tuning in for.

Jesse L. Martin Leads This New Police Procedural

One of NBC’s recent police procedural shows, titled “The Irrational“, features Jesse L. Martin portraying Professor Alec Mercer, a behavioral expert who assists the FBI with his keen powers of observation to locate and apprehend criminals across the nation. Drawing inspiration from the true-life experiences of Duke University Professor Dan Ariely, the series chronicles Mercer’s adventures and those he travels with as they disentangle the labyrinthine thoughts of criminals and catch them in the act.

In a TV environment that doesn’t often favor new long-length shows, The Irrational has successfully found its niche and attracted viewers, where numerous other comparable series have failed. With a standout performance from Martin and his fellow cast members, The Irrational offers an engaging, albeit not entirely original, take on the police procedural genre.

Dexter Puts the Murderer In the Police Department

In an innovative twist on the detective series genre, the character Dexter stands out because he’s a member of the police force but also a killer. The narrative unfolds around Michael C. Hall’s portrayal of Dexter Morgan, who is a highly functional sociopath with an innate bloodlust. He has learned to channel this dark impulse by targeting only individuals who have committed heinous acts. As a forensic scientist for the Miami police department, Dexter cleverly employs his professional resources to hunt and eliminate other criminals.

The show “Dexter” is frequently regarded as a complex series, characterized by a protagonist who embarks on a personal quest for justice while operating within morally grey areas. This television program poses challenging and ethically ambiguous questions throughout its narrative. Despite the controversy surrounding the finale of the original series, the creators have made significant efforts to restore “Dexter’s” reputation by producing spinoffs like “Dexter: New Blood” and “Dexter: Original Sin,” which address fan concerns regarding the ending.

Jeremy Renner Shines In This Dark Paramount+ Original Series

The Paramount+ original series, titled “Kingstown’s Mayor,” revolves around the McLusky clan, who manage the correctional facilities in Kingstown, Michigan. In this role, Jeremy Renner portrays Mike McLusky, often referred to as the “Mayor of Kingstown.” He is tasked with defending his kin and the town’s stability from external influences that aim to disrupt the current order.

Despite being darker than many crime thrillers, “Mayor of Kingstown” offers a captivating perspective on the less-exposed aspects of law enforcement, delving into the murky dealings hidden within prison systems. Jeremy Renner delivers an outstanding performance in one of his finest roles yet, making it a must-see for fans of crime dramas.

This Rookie Spinoff Has the Same Energy as the Original Show

For one season, “The Rookie: Feds” closely resembled an expansion of the original series. This is because both were created and overseen by “The Rookie’s” creator, Alexi Hawley, which resulted in similar styles between the two shows. In fact, during the first season of “The Rookie: Feds,” featuring Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark (a former guidance counselor who joined the FBI later in life), several episodes continued plotlines initiated by “The Rookie.” These shows were often aired consecutively for part of the season.

Under Hawley’s leadership, the episodes of The Rookie: Feds consistently touched on themes such as social justice and systemic racism, much like they did in The Rookie. One character, Simone, had a father who was a Black activist wrongfully imprisoned for years, making her uncomfortable about her new role in the FBI. The rest of the cast, including Kevin Zegers, who used to act on television, added depth and intrigue to the show.

Bones Is Great for Fans of Fun Ensemble Casts

In the course of its seven seasons, what has resonated deeply with fans about The Rookie is the developing romance between Chen and Bradford. Originally their relationship started as mentor and protégé, but it blossomed into something deeper. Interestingly, the show ensured they didn’t work in the same department once they began dating. To put it another way, the romantic tale intertwined with crime-solving was a key element in the long-lasting series Bones.

As a devoted fan of the small screen, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for the captivating tale of FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, portrayed by the talented David Boreanaz. In this intriguing narrative, Booth finds himself partnered with the brilliant forensic anthropologist, Temperance “Bones” Brennan, played by Emily Deschanel. This dynamic duo solves cases together, with Bones providing her expertise from the Jeffersonian Institute Medico-Legal Lab, a facility that offers forensics assistance to the FBI.

From the very beginning, there was an undeniable spark between Booth and Bones, setting the stage for a series that largely revolved around their will-they-won’t-they romantic tension. However, as the seasons unfolded, it became apparent that their connection was more than just chemistry – it was destiny. In the ninth season, they finally tied the knot, bringing a beautiful closure to their love story.

This Underrated Drama Puts First Responders Front-and-Center

In contrast to how The Rookie primarily focuses on police officers, one of its cast members, John Nolan’s wife, Bailey (played by Jenna Dewan), is a firefighter. As such, the series often incorporates storylines that revolve around Bailey’s experiences as both a firefighter and an EMT. Reminiscent of this, Third Watch – a highly praised series produced by ER showrunner John Wells – concentrates on the dynamic interplay among Brooklyn police officers, firefighters, and EMTs during their shift from 3pm to 11pm (commonly known as the “Third Watch”).

Other series have attempted to portray every emergency worker within a city, but none managed it as effectively as Third Watch. Similar to The Rookie, it boasted a diverse and engaging cast of characters that audiences could connect with and support.

Blindspot Perfectly Balances Comedy and Drama

As you watch multiple episodes of The Rookie, it becomes apparent that Hawley enjoys incorporating numerous action sequences. However, the show usually maintains a playful atmosphere, often starting with a humorous scene depicting the peculiar incidents that police officers encounter in their daily routines. This amusing and action-packed blend is reminiscent of Martin Gero’s Blindspot.

Blindspot” revolved around an FBI team assigned to a special task force focusing on “Jane Doe,” a mysterious woman who surfaced in Times Square with no identity or recollections, her body adorned with tattoos. As it transpired, these tattoos served as hints for the FBI (some of them proved useful for solving MULTIPLE cases), and the team had to decipher the clues while simultaneously uncovering whether they were being influenced by the one behind the riddles. The series wasn’t devoid of heavy storylines, but creator Gero also skillfully injected humor, particularly with the introduction of the recurring adversary, Rich DotCom (played by Ennis Esner), who joined the task force later in the series.

Cop Rock Deserves More Credit

In one of the standout recent episodes of The Rookie, “Daddy Cop” (a tune about Nolan being a ‘dad cop’) was prominently featured. For their 100th episode, the garage band returned and performed the song for Nolan, this time with an additional guitarist to play a solo and then a full choir joining in on the singing.

The television series “The Rookie” features music prominently (much like how Chen, a character who was portrayed by Melissa O’Neil, a former Canadian Idol winner, adds to this), and if you appreciate music and police dramas, you might find the short-lived but genuinely entertaining series “Cop Rock,” created by Steven Bochco, intriguing. Despite being canceled after just one season on ABC, it is worth watching now as it remains engaging, with the unique twist of officers breaking into song amidst serious storylines. It was initially panned, but its quirky element of cops singing during tense situations makes for an interesting watch.

In simpler terms, “Tracker” is a fresh CBS show featuring Justin Hartley from “This Is Us,” playing Colter Shaw – an exceptional survivalist who rescues people where others fail. This series, inspired by Jeffrey Deaver’s books, follows Shaw as he journeys across the countryside, employing his tracking skills to find individuals in perilous circumstances.

If you’re a fan of the thrilling moments in “The Rookie,” you shouldn’t miss Hartley’s latest show, “Tracker.” It’s off to a strong start, featuring its lead’s wide acting talent and an ever-changing roster of guest stars, ensuring each episode is distinct. There aren’t many shows quite like “Tracker,” making it a must-watch new addition.

Jared Padalecki Is a Worthy Successor to Chuck Norris

In a modern take on the classic 90’s show “Walker Texas Ranger,” we follow the title character, Cordell Walker, who is not only a law enforcement officer but also a father and a widower. After completing a lengthy undercover assignment, he finds himself with a challenging new mission: rebuilding his relationships with his family.

Instead of countless remakes lacking soul, Walker successfully blends tribute to its origins with a contemporary feel. It combines all the elements that viewers adore in today’s police procedurals, infused with the Texas-style justice from the original series. With four seasons under its belt and more on the horizon, Walker is an excellent choice for fans of The Rookie looking to delve into something new.

This TV Reboot of the Classic Film Series Was Gone Too Soon

In the spirit of the popular buddy cop series with the same title, Lethal Weapon presents fresh interpretations of Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs, originally portrayed by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. These two partners tackle crimes in the Los Angeles region, but their contrasting viewpoints frequently complicate their work unnecessarily.

Initially, “Lethal Weapon” was an enjoyable watch. However, internal disputes caused one of the main actors to be let go, which altered the show’s course and proved unsustainable in the long run. Despite “Lethal Weapon” being terminated after just three seasons, there are still plenty of police-related escapades to satisfy fans of the genre; though they might have preferred more episodes.

Queen Latifah Follows In Denzel Washington’s Shoes In This Epic Action Series

Under a new cast, The Equalizer features Queen Latifah portraying Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who reactivates her deadly abilities to mete out justice in a unique vigilante fashion within New York City’s streets. Although it bears the same title as Denzel Washington’s movie series, there have been no connections or collaborations between them so far.

In spite of an initial bumpy run, “The Equalizer” gained momentum over time and eventually became a defining part of the action series category. Among its cast members, Queen Latifah stands out as a remarkable highlight, demonstrating that she can be equally formidable in terms of action prowess as Denzel Washington is in the movies.

This Reboot of a Classic TV Series Deserves More Attention

The 2016 TV series titled “MacGyver” is a modern take on the popular ’80s show by the same name. In this new version, Lucas Till plays Angus “Mac” MacGyver. He works for an enigmatic government agency called the Phoenix Foundation. Throughout the series, MacGyver embarks on many perilous assignments, employing his quick thinking to devise clever solutions in tricky predicaments.

Despite not quite reaching the same level as the initial MacGyver series, the revamped version has earned its own recognition. Not only was it an exciting viewing experience, but it also featured collaborations with other popular television reboots from that time, such as Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I.

Read More

2025-04-25 04:28