Nathan Fillion’s humor is a TV staple, but The Rookie forced him to rein it in. His usual charm didn’t quite fit the high-stakes world of law enforcement, where bullets fly and danger looms. Unlike Castle or Firefly, where quips came naturally, this cop drama demanded a more grounded approach. Still, Fillion found a way to blend wit with grit, keeping his signature charisma intact.
While the jokes took a backseat, his presence remained just as compelling, proving that even in a serious role, he doesn’t need punchlines to steal the show.
Nathan Fillion had to tone down his humor for The Rookie because cop dramas require a different approach
Nathan Fillion had to dial it down on his signature humor for The Rookie, because, as he puts it, “it doesn’t work in cop dramas.” After eight seasons of cracking jokes as Castle’s witty crime-solving writer, the actor had to recalibrate for his role as John Nolan, a 40-year-old rookie cop starting over from scratch. Fillion explained during an interview with THR,
I learned a long time ago it’s very hard to make people laugh; it’s very easy to make people laugh at you. Knowing that difference, it’s simply a mindset. And it simplifies things.
The Rookie has comedy in it. It’s not broad, it’s not overreaching; it’s reality-based. I’ve met a lot of cops — they’re funny guys. They have to have a decent sense of humor to do the job they do. There’s a lot of opportunities for comedy in this program. If you compare it to the comedies I’ve done and are bigger, you just have to dial it down. It’s still funny, it’s just a matter of how you do it.
And that makes sense. Cops see it all. A little humor keeps them sane. But unlike his past roles, this one demanded restraint. The funny is still there — just dialed down.
Fillion’s return to network TV wasn’t random. He re-teamed with Castle showrunner Alexi Hawley, signing onto The Rookie before a script even existed. Why? The pitch. He alluded,
It was the pitch. You want a character you feel you can serve — you can serve the character, serve the story. Being in the business as long as I have, I’ve broadened my scope. And the core idea of the show, it has to be something strong enough to carry it a number of years. You want the potential for more. You don’t want to hit a roadblock where you’ve run out of stories because our engine isn’t built that way.
This one has an engine. [John Nolan] is literally starting his life over, from scratch. He has an incredible history behind him, but he’s starting everything brand new. It’s a very attractive prospect that people can relate to.
And Nolan’s journey — rebuilding his life after a near-death experience — felt like a story worth telling. Since Castle wrapped in 2016, Fillion kept busy guest spots on Modern Family and American Housewife, plus a reunion with Neil Patrick Harris in A Series of Unfortunate Events. But The Rookie brought him back to ABC full-time, this time as both lead actor and producer.
What does that mean? More say in problem-solving. He said,
Being a producer on a program you’re acting in simply means you have more of a voice. It’s permission to solve problems based on the experience you bring along with you. I’ve been doing this for 25 years. I don’t think you can do anything for 25 years and not get sort of smart about it.
I love solving problems. I love hitting a set and seeing you have this much hallway, you have this many words to say, you have to get from point A to point B. Those are easy problems to solve, but you have to make sure it works. We’re making art, but it’s a machine. You have to respect the machine, which has its own time restraints.
And after 25 years in the business, he’s learned when to step in, and when to let the experts do their job. So, while Fillion may not be cracking as many jokes this time around, he’s still doing what he does best—making a character feel real.
Nathan Fillion teases the return of The Rookie’s “Nasty” Monica and “Jerk” Oscar
Nathan Fillion is sounding the alarm — two of The Rookie’s most notorious villains are making a comeback. “We’re bringing back Bridget [Regan] as Monica,” he teased, confirming that the ruthless lawyer hasn’t turned over a new leaf (via US Magazine). Fillion didn’t hold back, calling her a nasty lady who’s “very sharp-witted.”
But Monica isn’t the only problem. Matthew Glave’s Oscar Hutchinson is also back, and if history tells us anything, it won’t be for a friendly visit. Fillion warned,
We’ve known [him] since season 2…seems affable and charming and hilarious [but] don’t turn your back on him. He will literally stab it.
Oscar’s past is a mess of escapes, betrayals, and backstabbing (literally). Monica has been dodging cops since her prison break scheme in The Rookie’s sixth season.
With both back in the mix, LAPD’s troubles are far from over. Buckle up — this ride’s about to get wild.
Watch The Rookie on Hulu & Apple TV.
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