The Rookiecreator and showrunner Alexi Hawley addresses a crossover with9-1-1, offering a thoughtful response. The possibility that the two dramas could cross paths has been a shared point of discussion among both fanbases ever since9-1-1made the jump from Fox to ABC. Besides airing on the same network, both dramas tend to be balancedtelevision proceduralsthat mix humor with heart-pumping and life-threatening moments. Both are also, crucially, set in Los Angeles.
In comments toTVLine, Hawley responded candidly to the idea ofThe Rookiecrossing over with9-1-1. The creator and showrunner, who wrote and directedThe Rookie’s recent season 7 premiere, mentions thatit would be a “hard crossover”and mentions one reason whyit wouldn’t make sensefor the two ABC procedurals to come together. Read his response below:
“To me, that’s a hard crossover, just because you have an expectation that you’re going to see [9-1-1characters] all the time” if you accommodate even one stunt-y crossover. “If we’re both in the same universe in Los Angeles, how are we not stumbling over themallthe time?”
What A Crossover Between The Rookie & 9-1-1 Would Mean
Hawley Has A Point
On the one hand, it would strain credulity that thecharacters inThe Rookieand9-1-1are just now crossing paths after years of serving the same area. It alsowouldn’t track that the earth-shattering emergencies that nearly ruined the9-1-1’s 118 had no impact onThe Rookieand vice versa. On the other hand, it is possible to pull off an entertaining crossover without worrying too much about the internal logic of it.
Gavin McHugh
Christopher Diaz
Abbott ElementaryandIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiajust pulled off a seamless crossover despite the fact that both comedies couldn’t be more different. Viewers who enjoy both series will likely forgive a lot with a bit of a winking, meta explanation and for the chance to see some of the fan-favorite characters. Hawley is right, however, thatit would break the logic of his own show.
Our Take On A 9-1-1 & Rookie Crossover
It’s A Trade-Off
The Rookieseason 7 is moving ahead, as is the soon-to-return9-1-1season 8. As fun as it would be to see Nolan trade some barbs with Athena, it’s hard to fault the creators for wanting to honor their separate universes. But if any two procedurals could get away with a bit of silliness and winking, these two series are probably at the top of the list.
The Rookieseason 7 airs Tuesdays at 10 PM ET while9-1-1season 8 returns on Thursday, March 6 at 8 PM ET
The Rookie
Cast
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
9-1-1
9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
