For Teens, It's Not TikTok That's the Draw - ABC's 'The Rookie' is the New TV Obsession.
At a time when streaming services dominate the youth viewing landscape, the unlikely success story of ABC's police procedural drama 'The Rookie' tells a fascinating tale. According to Nielsen data, it was the most-streamed show among young people under 18 for all broadcast television series last year, outpacing other popular kids' programs like 'Abbott Elementary' and 'High Potential'. What explains this phenomenon? The answer lies not in its traditional network roots but in the show's distinctive blend of genre-bending storytelling, lovable characters, and an unwavering commitment to nuanced portrayals of law enforcement.
Creator Alexi Hawley has long acknowledged that his show is tailor-made for a new generation. "I've always written this type of show with parents telling me how much their kids love it," he said in a recent interview. But what sets 'The Rookie' apart from other network procedurals? Its innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with an ongoing effort to tackle complex social issues, has captured the hearts of teenagers across the United States.
For 15-year-old Hannah Leef, who calls herself a "hyperfixated" fan, 'The Rookie' is more than just a TV show - it's a daily ritual. With its tightly-wound episodes and character-driven narratives, she finds solace in the predictable yet exciting world of LAPD officers John Nolan and his colleagues. Her passion for the series has inspired friends and fellow fans to join the fandom, creating a vibrant online community centered around the show.
While some have criticized network police procedurals as promoting a sanitized view of law enforcement, 'The Rookie' takes an approach that's refreshingly realistic. In one notable episode, a racist cop who profiles suspects of color is held accountable for his actions, albeit in a way that leaves room for interpretation. According to Katie Campione, a senior television and labor reporter at Deadline, "This show tries to start conversations about how people feel that law enforcement has failed them."
As the series continues to air new episodes, fans like Leef eagerly anticipate their Tuesday (or Monday) night fix. For Mariah Smith, a 22-year-old college student who's been following 'The Rookie' since she was 19, the show is an essential part of her weekly routine. She even has season tickets to her beloved Memphis Grizzlies basketball team - although she had to cancel them when the show changed its airing schedule.
In an era where streaming services have redefined the way we consume television, it's striking that 'The Rookie' remains a must-watch for young audiences. As Campione notes, "You get to spend hundreds of hours with the same characters and get to know them." This comforting familiarity, coupled with Hawley's commitment to tackling tough social issues, has created a loyal fan base that's eager to engage with the show on social media platforms like TikTok.
While the world outside may be constantly changing, 'The Rookie' remains an unchanging constant - a testament to the enduring power of television to connect us all.
At a time when streaming services dominate the youth viewing landscape, the unlikely success story of ABC's police procedural drama 'The Rookie' tells a fascinating tale. According to Nielsen data, it was the most-streamed show among young people under 18 for all broadcast television series last year, outpacing other popular kids' programs like 'Abbott Elementary' and 'High Potential'. What explains this phenomenon? The answer lies not in its traditional network roots but in the show's distinctive blend of genre-bending storytelling, lovable characters, and an unwavering commitment to nuanced portrayals of law enforcement.
Creator Alexi Hawley has long acknowledged that his show is tailor-made for a new generation. "I've always written this type of show with parents telling me how much their kids love it," he said in a recent interview. But what sets 'The Rookie' apart from other network procedurals? Its innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with an ongoing effort to tackle complex social issues, has captured the hearts of teenagers across the United States.
For 15-year-old Hannah Leef, who calls herself a "hyperfixated" fan, 'The Rookie' is more than just a TV show - it's a daily ritual. With its tightly-wound episodes and character-driven narratives, she finds solace in the predictable yet exciting world of LAPD officers John Nolan and his colleagues. Her passion for the series has inspired friends and fellow fans to join the fandom, creating a vibrant online community centered around the show.
While some have criticized network police procedurals as promoting a sanitized view of law enforcement, 'The Rookie' takes an approach that's refreshingly realistic. In one notable episode, a racist cop who profiles suspects of color is held accountable for his actions, albeit in a way that leaves room for interpretation. According to Katie Campione, a senior television and labor reporter at Deadline, "This show tries to start conversations about how people feel that law enforcement has failed them."
As the series continues to air new episodes, fans like Leef eagerly anticipate their Tuesday (or Monday) night fix. For Mariah Smith, a 22-year-old college student who's been following 'The Rookie' since she was 19, the show is an essential part of her weekly routine. She even has season tickets to her beloved Memphis Grizzlies basketball team - although she had to cancel them when the show changed its airing schedule.
In an era where streaming services have redefined the way we consume television, it's striking that 'The Rookie' remains a must-watch for young audiences. As Campione notes, "You get to spend hundreds of hours with the same characters and get to know them." This comforting familiarity, coupled with Hawley's commitment to tackling tough social issues, has created a loyal fan base that's eager to engage with the show on social media platforms like TikTok.
While the world outside may be constantly changing, 'The Rookie' remains an unchanging constant - a testament to the enduring power of television to connect us all.
i was so hooked on the rookie last season too!! alexi hawley is literally a genius for tackling those tough issues in such a realistic way 
and can we talk about how lovable the characters are?! john nolan is literally my spirit animal 
plus, the community created around this show online is so amazing to see people coming together over something they love 
i'm glad it's not just tiktok that's drawing teens in, it's great to see a TV show that's actually resonating with them 
I've got my 16-year-old daughter glued to her screen every Tuesday night and I'm not mad about it! The Rookie is genuinely so good and I love how it tackles tough issues in a way that's relatable to teens. It's amazing to see law enforcement portrayed as complex humans with flaws, rather than just heroes. And the characters are lovable - John Nolan is literally my daughter's spirit animal 
. But what really gets me is how much the show brings people together. My daughter's friends and she all geek out over it online and that's so cool to see. It's a great example of how TV can be more than just entertainment, it can be a way to connect with others and spark meaningful conversations 
.
and I couldn't help but think about how the pacing of some shows is so different from others. Like, 'The Rookie' episodes are super short, but they still manage to pack in a ton of emotional depth 
, and it totally changed my morning routine 
...
but i guess thats what makes it special, its got that old school vibe but still tackles those complex social issues 
creator Alexi Hawley must be genius for coming up w/ this concept 
now i can see why 15 yr olds rnt gettin enough of it, the characters r so lovable and relatable 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to hang out with lovable characters like John Nolan and his crew? 
The fact that fans are so invested in the show's storylines and characters is a testament to Hawley's writing skills and the show's ability to connect with its audience 
. It just goes to show that TV can be more than just mindless entertainment – it can spark conversations, build community, and make us think 
.
so yeah 'The Rookie' is def making waves among teens... according to Nielsen data it was streamed 10m+ times per episode last year 
that's crazy! and its not just about the procedural drama aspect either, but also the diverse cast and tackling of real-life issues like racism & profiling 
alexi hawley is a genius for writing this type of show that really speaks to a younger audience 
i'm def going to keep watching and cheering on John Nolan and the rest of the team 
. Plus, it's awesome that the show has created a community around it, with fans sharing their thoughts and feelings on social media 
. It just goes to show that TV can be so much more than just entertainment – it can bring people together and spark meaningful conversations 
The way it tackles complex social issues in a realistic yet nuanced way is really impressive. And I love that Hannah gets to be part of an online community with her fellow fans - it's like they're all connected by this shared passion 
Mariah's dedication to the show is also super inspiring... even if she had to cancel her basketball tickets because of the schedule change