ABC’sThe Rookieis now airing its seventh season, and at the same time,TV legend Dick Wolfhas released a new police procedural that will make the perfect follow-up. First released in 2018,The Rookieis one of many police procedural shows that air on network TV. Yet, the series stands out for a number of reasons, ranging from its star-studded cast to its long-running popularity. Most importantly though,The Rookieis memorable because of its unique and true-to-life premise: a man in his 40s becomes the oldest rookie at the LAPD.
Considering how many police procedural and first responder shows are out there, it may be difficult for audiences to narrow down which shows are right for them. When it comes toThe Rookie,this series is perfect for those seeking easy and engaging entertainment.Though the series does not reinvent the wheel, it offers some captivating action and an ensemble of characters who are all easy to love. Most importantly, Nathan Fillion provides a wonderful performance in the lead role. Therefore, many may be seeking out othersimilar series toThe Rookie,and fortunately, the perfect one just premiered.
Prime Video’s On Call Is Another Great Police Procedural Like The Rookie
How On Call Is Similar To The Rookie
The best police procedural likeThe Rookieis a brand-new series calledOn Call,which is currently streaming on Prime Video. The show followsveteran officer Traci Harmon and her rookie partner, Alex Diaz, as they patrol Long Beach, California, coming face to face with brutal crimes and difficult truths about society. In the midst of their daily work, the pair must also overcome the recent loss of one of their fellow officers. The series isexecutive produced by Dick Wolf, who is the king of police procedurals, and is directed by Eriq LaSalle ofERfame.
On Call Season 2: Will It Happen? Everything We Know
TV maven Dick Wolf has made the jump to Amazon Prime Video with the series On Call, but will the gritty police procedural score a second season?
At first glance,On Callseems like any other police procedural. Two officers patrol a city for crimes. However, this new series is more likeThe Rookiethan one might think. The main connection is thatOn Callfeatures a rookie officer as one of its leads, which highlights the same interesting rookie vs veteran dynamic that is at the center ofThe Rookie.Furthermore,On Callseems to be concerned with exploring the mental and physical effects of being in law enforcement, which is a main theme ofThe Rookieas well.
Why On Call’s Reviews Are So Divided Between Critics & Audiences
On Call’s Reception Is Weirdly Similar To The Rookie’s
Since premiering on June 24, 2025,On Callhas received vastly different reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 56% critics score, with reviewers arguing that the series does not do enough to differentiate itself from other police procedurals. It is somewhat compelling, but never dives deep enough. Meanwhile,audiences have givenOn Calla 91%, and have praised the show for its drama and its lead performance by Troian Bellisario. Ironically, audiences seem to think thatOn Calleasily establishes itself above other more traditional police procedurals.
On Call’sdivisive Rotten Tomatoes scores are not unusual, and in fact, they almost directly align withThe Rookie’sscore.
On Call’sdivisive Rotten Tomatoes scores are not unusual, and in fact, they almost directly align withThe Rookie’sscore. WhileThe Rookiemaintains a 68% critics score, audiences have also rated it a 91%. For the most part, the complaints and praises are the same. Critics feel thatThe Rookieis basic, and only succeeds due to Fillion’s strong personality, whereasaudiences seeThe Rookieas a breath of fresh air compared to other similar series. Ultimately, this type of reception bringsOn CallandThe Rookieeven closer.
How On Call Compares To Other Dick Wolf TV Shows
Wolf’s Rotten Tomatoes Trends Explained
On Callis just the newest series among several police procedurals created by Wolf, and at this point, the show fits right in with the rest of his projects. Many of Wolf’s series have divisive critical ratings likeOn CallandThe Rookie.For example,Chicago Firehas a 50% critics score, but a 78% audience score. In this way,On Callmay actually be doing better among audiences than previous Wolf series with its 91%.Plus,On Callseems to be tackling a new type of police procedural that offers a darker look at first responders.
The most amazing thing about Wolf’s series is that, despite their split reception, they manage to succeed for a very long time. Several of Wolf’s shows have more than ten seasons, while others boast various spinoffs and cinematic universes. What this says is that, regardless of critical feelings,audiences love Wolf’s shows so much that they get to continue for a long time. Presumably, this is what will happen toOn Call.Perhaps one day, the new series will even have as many seasons asThe Rookie.
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.
