ABC is locking in two of its most reliable drama hits for another run. The network has officially renewed The Rookie for Season 9 and Will Trent for Season 5, reinforcing its strategy of leaning on proven, fan-favorite series as the 2026 season approaches. The announcement comes while both shows are still airing their current seasons, with finales expected to drop in early May.
For viewers, the timing couldnât be better. Instead of waiting through finale cliffhangers with uncertainty, fans now know both stories will continue. That kind of early renewal often signals strong performance behind the scenes â steady ratings, consistent viewership, and engagement that networks are eager to keep.
âThe Rookieâ heads into Season 9 with strong momentum
Reaching a ninth season is no small feat for a broadcast drama, and The Rookie continues to prove its staying power. The series stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, a late-in-life rookie cop navigating the challenges of law enforcement while balancing personal growth and evolving responsibilities.
The ensemble cast remains a key part of the showâs appeal. Alongside Fillion, the series features Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Melissa OâNeil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez, and Deric Augustine as Miles Penn. Over time, these characters have developed layered arcs that go beyond weekly cases, giving audiences reasons to stay invested year after year.
Behind the scenes, the show continues to be guided by creator Alexi Hawley, who serves as executive producer and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Mark Gordon, Nathan Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, Brynn Malone, Moira Kirland, Bill Roe, and Jon Steinberg. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television in partnership with 20th Television.
The longevity of The Rookie is tied to its balance â blending action-driven storytelling with character-focused drama. That formula has helped it remain relevant even as viewing habits shift toward streaming and shorter-form content.
âWill Trentâ continues its rise with Season 5 renewal
While The Rookie represents long-term consistency, Will Trent has quietly built a strong identity of its own. The series, based on Karin Slaughterâs bestselling novels, follows GBI agent Will Trent, played by RamĂłn RodrĂguez, whose sharp instincts and complicated past make him one of the most compelling figures in network television.
The supporting cast plays a major role in shaping the showâs tone. Erika Christensen stars as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, Kevin Daniels as Benjamin Franklin, and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner. Together, they bring emotional weight and complexity to a series that leans heavily into psychological storytelling.
Will Trent was developed for television by Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen, who also serve as executive producers alongside Karine Rosenthal, Karin Slaughter, Oly Obst, Jason Ensler, Ellen Marie Blum, and RodrĂguez. Heldens, Thomsen, and Rosenthal also act as showrunners. Like The Rookie, the series is produced by 20th Television.
The renewal for a fifth season highlights how well the adaptation has connected with audiences. It has managed to stay true to its source material while still feeling accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the books, a balance that many adaptations struggle to achieve.
ABCâs broader strategy becomes clearer
These renewals are part of a larger pattern. ABC has already renewed several major titles, including 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville, High Potential, and the long-running Greyâs Anatomy. On the comedy side, Abbott Elementary also secured another season earlier this year. Together, these decisions point to a clear direction â stability over risk, and established brands over untested concepts.
At this stage, only a few shows remain in limbo. The freshman drama R.J. Decker and the sophomore multi-cam comedy Shifting Gears are still awaiting renewal decisions, making them the final pieces in ABCâs upcoming lineup puzzle.
Another development tied to The Rookie is worth watching. ABC recently filmed a pilot for a potential spinoff titled The Rookie: North. Starring Jay Ellis, the project follows a man who joins a police force in the Pacific Northwest after a violent home invasion changes his life. As of now, the pilot is still awaiting a decision on whether it will move forward as a full series.
If approved, it could expand The Rookie into a larger franchise, something networks increasingly look for as they try to build interconnected universes that keep viewers engaged across multiple shows.
For now, though, the focus remains on whatâs confirmed. With both The Rookie and Will Trent set to return, ABC is doubling down on two dramas that continue to deliver. In a television landscape where cancellations are frequent and viewer loyalty is harder to maintain, that kind of consistency stands out.
For more updates on ABC programming and upcoming shows, visit the official ABC website.
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