ABC renews The Rookie for Season 9 and Will Trent for Season 5. Both hit dramas, starring Nathan Fillion and Ramón Rodriguez, average over 8M viewers.
- April 14, 2026
AceShowbiz - ABC has secured the future of two of its established dramas by renewing The Rookie and Will Trent for the 2026-27 television season. The network's decision guarantees a ninth season for The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion, and a fifth season for Will Trent, which features Ramón Rodriguez in the lead role.
These renewals come as no surprise given the strong performance of both series. With a combination of live broadcast and cross-platform viewing—primarily through Hulu—each show averages over 8 million viewers per episode. Both dramas rank within the top 15 network entertainment series for the key 18-49 adult demographic. Notably, The Rookie sees a significant boost in its ratings from streaming, often experiencing a sixfold increase in its 18-49 ratings compared to its initial on-air numbers.
The Rookie is produced by Lionsgate Television in association with 20th Television. Alongside Nathan Fillion, the series stars Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O'Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, Lisseth Chavez, and Deric Augustine. The show’s creator, Alexi Hawley, serves as an executive producer along with Mark Gordon, Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, Brynn Malone, Moira Kirland, Bill Roe, and Jon Steinberg.
Additionally, ABC has ordered a pilot for a spinoff titled The Rookie: North. This new series will star Jay Ellis as the oldest rookie in a Washington state police department, expanding the universe of The Rookie.
Will Trent, produced by 20th Television and based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, stars Ramón Rodriguez, Erika Christensen, Iantha Richardson, Jake McLaughlin, Kevin Daniels, and Sonja Sohn. Showrunners Liz Heldens, Daniel Thomsen, and Karine Rosenthal executive produce alongside Slaughter, Oly Obst, Jason Ensler, Ellen Marie Blum, and Rodriguez.
For the 2026-27 season, The Rookie and Will Trent will join other ABC scripted series such as 911, 911: Nashville, Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, and High Potential. Fans and industry followers can keep updated on all renewals, cancellations, and new series orders through THR’s 2026 broadcast scorecard.
