If you’re a fan of The Rookie, you know how gripping and entertaining police procedural dramas can be, especially when they blend action, humor, and heartfelt character development. The Rookie follows John Nolan, a middle-aged man who joins the LAPD, tackling the challenges of starting over in life and proving his worth in a demanding profession. If you’ve been binge-watching The Rookie and are on the lookout for similar TV shows to dive into, you’re in the right place.
Here are some top-notch shows like The Rookie that bring their own exciting mix of drama, action, and personal stories. Keep reading to discover where to watch these amazing series and why they should be on your radar.
1. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
If you loved the comedic and light-hearted moments in The Rookie, then Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a must-watch. This hilarious sitcom revolves around Detective Jake Peralta and his quirky colleagues at the 99th precinct in New York City. While it focuses heavily on humor, the show also delivers heartfelt moments and captivating cases.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A perfect mix of comedy and procedural drama.
- Memorable characters with unique personalities, like Captain Holt’s deadpan humor or Rosa’s tough exterior.
- Relatable themes of friendship and teamwork.
Watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine full TV show online: Available on Peacock, Hulu, and Netflix.
2. Blue Bloods
For fans who enjoy family dynamics mixed with police work, Blue Bloods is a fantastic choice. The show centers around the Reagan family, where multiple generations work in law enforcement. With gripping storylines and moral dilemmas, it’s a more serious yet equally engaging watch.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A unique focus on family traditions and relationships.
- Complex cases that delve into the ethical side of policing.
- Tom Selleck’s commanding performance as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan.
Watch Blue Bloods full TV show online: Stream it on Paramount+ or Hulu.
3. Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D. is a hard-hitting police procedural that explores the personal and professional lives of the officers in the Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department. With high-stakes drama and intense action sequences, this show is ideal for those who crave adrenaline-pumping episodes.
Why You’ll Love It:
- High-stakes storytelling with dramatic plot twists.
- Complex characters with gripping backstories.
- A darker tone compared to The Rookie but equally binge-worthy.
Watch Chicago P.D. full TV show online: Available on Peacock and Hulu.
4. 9-1-1
If you’re drawn to the high-pressure situations in The Rookie, 9-1-1 offers a thrilling ride through the lives of first responders. The show focuses on police officers, firefighters, and paramedics as they handle life-threatening emergencies and navigate their personal lives.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Intense and fast-paced episodes with dramatic rescues.
- A diverse cast of relatable characters.
- Heartwarming moments balanced with nail-biting action.
Watch 9-1-1 full TV show online: Stream it on Hulu or Disney+.
5. NCIS
NCIS is one of the most popular procedural dramas of all time. Following a team of special agents investigating crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, this show combines thrilling investigations with a strong focus on teamwork and character relationships.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Long-running series with over 20 seasons to binge.
- Well-developed characters like the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
- A mix of mystery, drama, and occasional humor.
Watch NCIS full TV show online: Available on Paramount+ and Netflix.
6. Hawaii Five-0
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, this reboot of the classic series follows an elite task force as they take on dangerous criminals and protect the islands. With its mix of action, camaraderie, and gorgeous visuals, Hawaii Five-0 offers something for everyone.
Why You’ll Love It:
- High-energy action scenes and complex cases.
- Stunning cinematography showcasing Hawaii’s beauty.
- A strong sense of camaraderie among the team members.
Watch Hawaii Five-0 full TV show online: Stream it on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.
7. The Mentalist
For those who appreciate the investigative side of The Rookie, The Mentalist is a brilliant choice. The series follows Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, as he solves crimes with his sharp observational skills.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Intricate cases solved with a mix of intellect and intuition.
- A compelling overarching storyline involving Patrick’s quest for revenge.
- Clever writing and memorable performances, especially by Simon Baker.
Watch The Mentalist full TV show online: Available on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.
8. Castle
Fans of Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of John Nolan in The Rookie will love Castle, where he stars as a mystery novelist who teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett to solve crimes. This series blends murder mysteries with charming romantic tension.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Nathan Fillion’s charismatic performance.
- Intriguing murder mysteries with a touch of humor.
- A slow-burn romance that keeps viewers hooked.
Watch Castle full TV show online: Stream it on Hulu or Disney+.
9. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)
For fans of procedural dramas with a more serious tone, Law & Order: SVU is a classic. The show focuses on the detectives of the Special Victims Unit as they investigate crimes involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gritty and emotionally charged cases.
- Stellar performances by Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni.
- Thought-provoking storytelling that often reflects real-world issues.
Watch Law & Order: SVU full TV show online: Available on Peacock and Hulu.
10. Rookie Blue
If you’re looking for a show that closely mirrors The Rookie, Rookie Blue is the perfect match. This series follows five rookie cops as they navigate their new careers and deal with personal and professional challenges. It’s often referred to as “Grey’s Anatomy” for police work.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Focuses on the struggles and growth of rookie cops.
- A mix of action, romance, and character-driven storytelling.
- Relatable themes about finding your place in the world.
Watch Rookie Blue full TV show online: Stream it on Amazon Prime Video or Freevee.
Engage with Your Favorite Shows
Each of these shows offers its own unique take on the police procedural genre, blending drama, action, and character-driven narratives in ways that will keep you hooked. Whether you’re drawn to intense action, complex characters, or moments of lighthearted humor, there’s something here for everyone.
What’s your favorite pick from this list? Are there other shows you’d recommend to The Rookie fans? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this list with your fellow TV enthusiasts!
Happy watching!
