The Rookies (1972)
A gripping ABC crime drama following three idealistic rookie officers policing a fictional Southern California city, produced by Aaron Spelling.
The Rookies - Series Information
- Original Title: The Rookies
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Created by: Rita Lakin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 93
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Die Rookies (DE)
The Rookies - Plot
The Rookies is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1972 until 1976. It follows the exploits of three rookie police officers working in an unidentified city for the fictitious Southern California Police Department.
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The Rookies - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Rita Lakin
Main Cast
- Georg Stanford Brown
- Sam Melville
- Kate Jackson
- Gerald S. O'Loughlin
- Bruce Fairbairn
- Michael Ontkean
- Tyne Daly
- Jared Martin
- Robert Walden
- Mark Slade
Writers
- William Blinn
- Daniel B. Ullman
- Robert Hamner
- William Douglas Lansford
- Mark Weingart
Executive Producers
- Aaron Spelling
The Rookies - FAQs
Where can you stream The Rookies online?
The Rookies is available to stream on Philo as part of its flat-rate subscription and on The Roku Channel with ads at no extra cost. These platforms offer access to the full run of the series. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.
What happened to Kate Jackson after The Rookies?
After leaving The Rookies in 1975, Kate Jackson went on to star in Charlie's Angels (1976–1979) as Sabrina Duncan, which made her a major television star. She later appeared in Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983–1987) and continued a long career in film and television.
Who created The Rookies TV series?
The Rookies was created by Rita Lakin, a pioneering television writer who was one of the few women writing and producing drama series in early 1970s American television. The show was executive produced by Aaron Spelling and aired on ABC.
Was The Rookies based on a true story?
The Rookies was not based on a specific true story. It was an original dramatic series set within a fictional Southern California Police Department. The show drew on realistic police procedural elements common to 1970s crime dramas, but its characters and storylines were entirely fictional.
How many seasons and episodes does The Rookies have?
The Rookies ran for 4 seasons and a total of 93 episodes on ABC. Each season contained roughly 23 to 24 episodes. The series premiered in 1972 and concluded in 1976, making it one of the longer-running police dramas of its era.
Who were the main cast members of The Rookies?
The principal cast included Georg Stanford Brown as Terry Webster, Sam Melville as Mike Danko, Kate Jackson as Jill Danko, Gerald S. O'Loughlin as Lt. Ed Ryker, Michael Ontkean as Willie Gillis, and Mark Slade as Don Richardson, among others.
When did The Rookies first air on television?
The Rookies first aired in 1972 on the ABC network in the United States. The series ran until 1976, spanning four seasons and establishing itself as a notable entry in the police procedural genre during the early 1970s era of American television.
Is The Rookies considered a classic 1970s police drama?
Yes, The Rookies is regarded as a solid example of the 1970s police procedural genre. Produced by Aaron Spelling, it helped launch the careers of Kate Jackson and Michael Ontkean. Critics have noted its earnest storytelling and its focus on younger officers navigating law enforcement challenges.
More About The Rookies
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