The Rookie Faces Budget Cuts Ahead of Season 9

Nathan Fillion's hit ABC series may see reduced screen time for popular characters due to budget constraints.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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According to a new report, the ABC series The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, is facing significant budget cuts as it heads into its 9th season. While the show is expected to be renewed, the reduced budget could mean less screen time for some of the most popular characters. The Rookie team will need to figure out how to redistribute the smaller budget while still delivering the same high-quality content fans have come to expect.

Why it matters

The Rookie has been a consistent hit for ABC, running for 8 seasons and over 100 episodes. The show's success has helped cement Nathan Fillion's status as a beloved TV star, and any major changes to the series could impact both the actor's career and the show's loyal fanbase.

The details

The budget cuts come as a surprise, as Fillion had recently expressed his desire to play John Nolan for at least another 10 years. ABC has yet to officially pick up The Rookie for a 9th season, but the show is expected to be renewed eventually. The network has not provided details on the extent of the budget reductions or how they will impact the production.

  • The Rookie first premiered on ABC in 2018.
  • The show is currently in its 8th season.
  • Fillion recently confirmed his desire to continue playing John Nolan for at least another 10 years.

The players

Nathan Fillion

The lead actor of The Rookie, known for his roles in shows like Castle and films in the Guardians of the Galaxy and DC Universe franchises.

The Rookie

The hit ABC police procedural drama series that has run for 8 seasons and over 100 episodes.

ABC

The television network that airs The Rookie and has yet to officially renew the show for a 9th season.

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What they’re saying

“Nathan Fillion may never have cracked into the upper tier of A-list stars, but over the years, he has starred in plenty of big projects both on the big and small screen.”

— Adam Blevins, Author (Collider)

“Fillion recently confirmed that he'd like to play John Nolan for another 10 years or so, but now the future of The Rookie has been called into question.”

— Adam Blevins, Author (Collider)

What’s next

ABC has yet to officially renew The Rookie for a 9th season, but the show is expected to be picked up eventually. The network will need to work with the production team to determine how to best allocate the reduced budget while maintaining the quality and popularity of the series.

The takeaway

The budget cuts for The Rookie highlight the challenges that even successful TV shows can face, as networks look to tighten their belts. While fans will hope the show can continue its run without major changes, this development serves as a reminder of the business realities that can impact even the most beloved programs.