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When a show likeThe Rookiegoes head-to-head withNCIS, you’d think the lead star would have some epic, drawn-out take on why it stacks up. But Nathan Fillion? He kept it short, sweet, and straight to the point – just like the show itself.
WhileNCIShas been the big dog for decades,The Rookiebrings fresh energy, wild cases, and that signature Fillion charm. If anyone’s got the perfect answer for why this show slaps, it’s the guy calling the shots, and honestly, he might’ve just nailed it.
Nathan Fillion explains whyThe Rookiestands out, and why it’s anNCISrival
Nathan Filliondidn’t just hype upThe Rookie; he nailed exactly why it’s areal contender in the police proceduralgame. At ABC’s Winter 2024 TCA press tour, he got real about what makes the show click. Fillionexplained,
People like the show because of the characters, because of the relationships, because of the interactions. These are things that we can all relate to. The fact that it’s a procedural, I think, is just the form that our show takes. I’ve never been on a show where I’ve cared so much about parts I’m not in.
The cases? Just the backdrop. The real hook is the cast and their chemistry. Plus,The Rookie’s lineup is stacked. UnlikeNCIS, which has had its hits and misses,The Rookiemakes every character count.
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Showrunner Alexi Hawley backed up Fillion’s lasting appeal, calling him a rare leading man unafraid to fall down, to be seen to fail. Whether he was captaining a spaceship, solving mysteries, or training as LAPD’s oldest rookie,Fillion kept stuff real. That’s why audiences stick around. Hawleysaid,
Here’s what I would say about Nathan and why I think he resonates so much with people is, he is a very rare leading man who’s willing to fall down, to be seen to fail, to be seen to be the butt of a joke, to basically be human.
I think so many leading men on television feel like they need to be perfect or infallible, and I think there’s such humanity to Nathan, whether he’s the captain of a starship, or whether he’s a mystery writer, or whether he’s the oldest rookie in the LAPD. And I think that’s why people want to watch him, is because they see that you can fall down and still get back up again.
And fans have made it clear. Everywhere he went, drivers, parents, and even kids told him theylovedThe Rookie. Debating which cop is the best? That’s the engagement most shows dream of.
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Fillion admitted it’s easy to forget how many people are watching. But every fan interaction was a reminder –The Rookiewasn’t just another cop show. It was a phenomenon.
Nathan Fillion knewCastleneeded to end sooner, and he was right
Nathan Fillionhad an ideal endingforCastle,but the show didn’t quite get there. The ABC hit wrapped after eight seasons, but Fillion once said (viaDigital Spy),
I would like to do six years – maybe seven years, if it’s strong enough at that point – and then wrap it up…Six years would be great, wouldn’t it? I would love to end strong.
Instead,Castlefaced a messy cancellation, leaving showrunner Alexi Hawley scrambling for a finale. The result? A rushed send-off that Fillion admitted wasn’t the beautiful ending fans hoped for. He alluded (viaThe New York Post),
It wasn’t the beautiful send-off that I think maybe you could hope for…It’s the entertainment industry, it’s a business, I get it. I don’t take it personally when a show gets canceled — I can’t take it personally, all my shows gets canceled! Look at my resume, it’s a long list of canceled TV shows.
Fillion had a blast onCastle, loving the friendships and the ride. But he didn’t want it dragging on and fizzling out — better to go out on top.
“He needed that approval and validation”: Michael Weatherly’s Next Show After NCIS Finally Let Him Get Out of Mark Harmon’s Shadow
Ironically,Castleran just about as long as Fillion predicted, but not quite on his terms.
The RookieandNCISare available to watch on Hulu & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
