ABC has confirmed the continuation of two of its prominent drama series, "The Rookie" and "Will Trent," for the upcoming 2026-27 television schedule. This decision marks a significant milestone for both programs, with "The Rookie" entering its ninth season and "Will Trent" commencing its fifth. The network's move reflects the consistent appeal and solid performance of these shows, which have become key components of its programming lineup. Their continued presence underscores ABC's commitment to delivering engaging and well-received content to its audience.
The announcement arrived on April 13, 2026, solidifying the future of these two fan-favorite series. "The Rookie," featuring Nathan Fillion, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of police procedural and character-driven storytelling, following the journey of the oldest rookie in the LAPD. "Will Trent," starring Ramón Rodriguez, has garnered acclaim for its compelling narrative centered on a Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agent with a distinctive approach to crime-solving. Both series have consistently delivered strong ratings, particularly when factoring in delayed viewing across various platforms, including Hulu.
Industry analysts note that the renewals were largely anticipated, given the impressive viewership figures and demographic performance of both shows. "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" each attract over 8 million viewers per episode when cross-platform viewing is considered. Furthermore, they rank among the top 15 network entertainment series for adults aged 18-49, a crucial demographic for advertisers. "The Rookie" notably exhibits a remarkable increase in its 18-49 rating from streaming services, often seeing its initial on-air numbers multiply sixfold, highlighting the evolving consumption habits of television viewers.
"The Rookie" is a collaboration between Lionsgate Television and 20th Television. The ensemble cast includes Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, Lisseth Chavez, and Deric Augustine, alongside lead Nathan Fillion. The series creator, Alexi Hawley, serves as executive producer alongside Mark Gordon, Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, Brynn Malone, Moira Kirland, Bill Roe, and Jon Steinberg. Additionally, ABC is developing a spin-off titled "The Rookie: North," which will star Jay Ellis as the oldest rookie in a police department in Washington state.
"Will Trent," produced by 20th Television and based on Karin Slaughter's novels, features a talented cast including Erika Christensen, Iantha Richardson, Jake McLaughlin, Kevin Daniels, and Sonja Sohn, in addition to Ramón Rodriguez. The show's executive producers are Liz Heldens, Daniel Thomsen, Karine Rosenthal, Karin Slaughter, Oly Obst, Jason Ensler, Ellen Marie Blum, and Rodriguez. These series join a robust lineup of scripted programming on ABC for the 2026-27 season, including other successful titles like "911," "911: Nashville," "Abbott Elementary," "Grey’s Anatomy," and "High Potential."
The strategic decision to renew these two successful dramas underscores ABC's commitment to maintaining a strong and diverse programming slate. Both "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" have not only consistently attracted a significant audience but have also demonstrated their ability to engage viewers across multiple platforms, especially through streaming. This dual success ensures their continued contribution to the network's overall viewership and competitive standing in the television landscape.
