ABC's hit series The Rookie continues to gain momentum, achieving its largest audience of the season with the airing of its March 25 episode, titled "Speed." The episode drew in an impressive 8.25 million viewers, marking a significant milestone for the show as it hit season highs in both total viewership and in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the episode garnered a rating of 1.67 among adults 18-49, which translates to approximately 2.24 million individuals in that demographic. This surge in viewership is particularly noteworthy as it represents the largest audience the series has seen after three days of cross-platform viewing since January 2023, midway through its fifth season.
Streaming has played a crucial role in this success, with about 43% of the total audience, or 3.57 million viewers, tuning in via streaming services. Furthermore, more than 70% of the show's 18-49 rating, which stood at 1.19, came from this platform. The episode's performance is a testament to the show's growing popularity and its ability to attract a younger demographic, a key target for advertisers.
In the episode "Speed," viewers witnessed John (played by Nathan Fillion) and Celina (Lisseth Chavez) navigating a tense hostage situation, while Tim (Eric Winter) challenged Lucy's (Melissa O'Neil) decision-making process. The gripping storyline contributed to the episode's high ratings, showcasing the series' ability to engage its audience effectively.
As The Rookie continues its seventh season, the series has been averaging 11.35 million viewers across five weeks of multi-platform viewing. Since shifting to the 9 p.m. ET/PT time slot in mid-February 2025, the show has seen an increase in its same-day viewership, averaging 3.34 million viewers over five episodes—an 11% rise from its previous 10 p.m. slot earlier this season.
The upcoming episodes are set to keep the momentum going. Episode 13, titled "Three Billboards," is scheduled to air on April 8, 2025, and will follow the team as they investigate a series of anti-LAPD billboards that have appeared throughout the city. Meanwhile, Episode 14, "Mad About Murder," will air on April 15, 2025, featuring Tim receiving a strange message that leads to a larger investigation into the dark web, while Celina works to take down a popular podcast.
The cast of The Rookie includes a talented ensemble, with Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey, Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez. New additions to the cast this season include Deric Augustine as Miles, a Texas transfer who, despite being a two-year veteran of the force, is considered a rookie, and Patrick Keleher, who plays rookie Seth, a character who struggles with the demands of police work.
As the series creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley leads the charge, the show has also seen a boost in ratings on Tuesday nights, where ABC has enjoyed a strong showing this season. The network's other dramas, including the first-year breakout hit High Potential, are also performing well, averaging over 10 million viewers. High Potential leads the pack with an impressive 15.31 million viewers, followed closely by The Rookie and Will Trent, which averages 10.91 million viewers.
The success of The Rookie is part of a larger trend for ABC, which has seen considerable growth in its Tuesday night lineup compared to the previous 2023-24 season. This resurgence is bolstered by the network's ability to attract viewers across multiple platforms, a strategy that has proven effective in today’s media landscape.
As fans eagerly await the next episodes, the buzz around The Rookie continues to grow, with viewers excited to see how the storylines unfold. With compelling characters, high-stakes drama, and a commitment to engaging storytelling, The Rookie is well-positioned to maintain its place as a favorite among audiences.
