‘The Rookie’ Fans, You Must See This Massive Casting Announcement Ahead of Season 9

Get ready to see new faces at LAPD Mid-Wilshire this year.

The Rookie season 9 premieres January 6, 2027, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, and fans are ready to see their favorite first responders back in action. It turns out Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, and the other beloved cast members won’t be the only ones on our screens this time around.

As creator/showrunner Alexi Hawley teased during a panel for The Rookie at New York Comic Con on October 11, actress Troian Bellisario will join the show in a recurring role in season 9.

“You might have seen in the sizzle reel that Troian Bellisario is coming to join us,” Alexi revealed in a clip posted on Entertainment Weekly’s Instagram. “She will play Nolan’s new rookie. So, a single mom of two, who’s trying to restart her life after a painful divorce. And you know, it’s a rookie that we’ve never had before on the show, somebody who’s not starting out from scratch. So, we’re super excited about her.”

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Shortly after the news broke, fans flooded social media with excitement about Troian’s casting.

“Can’t wait to see Troian back on screen!!!” one person shouted. “I’m so excited!! I feel like this season is gonna be a great one,” another exclaimed. “@sleepinthegardn joining @therookieabc?! Now that is some killer casting. She’s a star. 👏👏👏,” a different follower added.

According to Deadline, Troian’s character will be Stephanie Monroe, a thirty-something reinventing her life by going to the police academy. She isn’t the only new person joining The Rookie in season 9; The West Wing and Psych alum Dulé Hill will also guest star throughout the installment.

Fans may know Troian for starring as Spencer Hastings on Pretty Little Liars for seven seasons. She also worked on The Rookie, directing the season 8 episode “The Thinker,” which aired in late March 2026.

We’re thrilled about this casting!