TV series
The Rookies is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1972 until 1976. It follows the exploits of three rookie police officers working in an unidentified city for the fictitious Southern California Police Department.
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Checked Sep 3, 2026
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The Rookies is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1972 until 1976. It follows the exploits of three rookie police officers working in an unidentified city for the fictitious Southern California Police Department.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Terry Webster breaks in his new partner, junior rookie Chris Owens, searching for an arsonist. Someone is responsible for the murder of several firemen, all young, dark-haired and moustached.
Directed by Harry FalkWritten by Daniel B. UllmanGuest stars Stephen Manley, Lou Antonio, Larry Pennell
Episode 2
The murder of a construction company owner is witnessed by a woman and her married boyfriend, a doctor. Because of the possibility of a scandal, the doctor will not allow the girl to give information to the rookies. They do not know that the killers are now after the witnesses.
Guest stars Jon Cypher, Jared Martin, William Lucking
Episode 3
Chris is partnered with a patrolman who gets involved in suicidal situations so that he might be killed in the line of duty and his family would be secure with financial compensation.
Guest stars James Keach, Robin Strasser, Jeremy Slate, Alex Rocco, Michael Christian
Episode 4
Four young people out for excitement in a stolen pickup become fugitives from the law when their fun turns into murder and robbery. Rookie Chris Owens is on the case after his partner is killed, but Chris wonders whether the dangers of police life are worth it.
Directed by Harry FalkGuest stars Kenneth Tobey, Bo Hopkins, Herbert Anderson, Janis Hansen, Charles Martin Smith, John Zaremba
Episode 5
Two law students, seeking revenge for the death of a girl, frame Terry Webster, whom they hold responsible for the murder of a store guard.
Guest stars Mary Jackson, Kristoffer Tabori
Episode 6
The son and daughter of a man who recently died in prison are determined to kill the judge who sentenced him. The rookies must guard the judge and find the criminals. Terry becomes their next target when he prevents their plans for the judge.
Guest stars Branscombe Richmond, Stefanie Powers, Eduard Franz
Episode 7
Mike is alarmed to find out from his wife and fellow rookies that an old Air Force friend of his is a heroin pusher.
Guest stars Antony Carbone, Robert Ellenstein, Fred Williamson, David White, Gerald Hiken, Frank Farmer
Episode 8
The rookies befriend the girlfriend of a robber after Terry delivers her baby and in return becomes the criminal's target. Unless the rookies can catch this man, the girl will be charged with the robbery.
Guest stars Bernard Barrow, Gerrit Graham, Ronne Troup
Episode 9
A policeman who was injured in a market holdup returns to the force after a ten year recovery, in pursuit of the man he thinks is responsible for shooting him.
Guest stars Darwin Joston, Laurence Luckinbill, Arlene Martel, Jerry Douglas
Episode 10
Lt. Ryker steps from behind his desk to investigate a protection racket in the neighborhood where he grew up.
Guest stars Katherine Helmond, Ned Glass, Arthur Franz, William Katt
Episode 11
The Rookies must find those responsible for holding up gun shops throughout the city.
Directed by William CrainGuest stars David Huddleston, David Canary, David Soul
Episode 12
A photographer friend of Chris' accidentally catches a hired assassin in one of her shots. The rookies must protect the girl and at the same time figure out who this man is trying to assassinate.
Guest stars Eric Braeden, Harlan Warde, Darleen Carr
Episode 13
It's Christmas Eve and after settling a number of routine disturbances around town, the rookies enjoy a Christmas dinner at the home of Jill and Mike Danko. Jill and Mike are also entertaining their niece who is upset over her parents' separation.
Directed by Bruce BilsonGuest stars Bert Remsen, Barbara Nichols, Ruth McDevitt, Elinor Donahue, Charles Lampkin, Robyn Hilton
Episode 14
After a syndicate boss is arrested, the rest of the gang plot to take over and continue their work. They are intent on killing Lt. Ryker. The rookies must put the rest of this gang behind bars.
Guest stars Joseph Bernard, Barbara Baxley, Sandy Kenyon, Vic Tayback
Episode 15
The dangers of owning a gun are explored when the rookies have to avenge the accidental shooting of a man who bought a gun to protect his family.
Guest stars Lenka Peterson, Don Stroud, John Carter, Eric Laneuville
Episode 16
Mike's eager new partner proves to be a little too eager when he is found spending his off hours hunting for pushers because his younger brother died of an overdose.
Directed by Bruce BilsonGuest stars Michael Lembeck, Anthony James, William Shatner
Episode 17
A woman's son is kidnapped in a supermarket parking lot but when questioned by the rookies she denies the entire incident. Her and her husband are afraid because they adopted the boy illegally and the kidnappers are the natural parents.
Guest stars John S. Ragin, Edward Andrews, Shelley Fabares, Bettye Ackerman, Peter Coffield
Episode 18
The rookies must find ample evidence to arrest Tommy, who introduces young girls into unsavory careers for monetary gain.
Directed by Bruce BilsonGuest stars Woodrow Parfrey, Susan Dey, Suzanne Charny, Charles Drake, Terry Lumley, Dack Rambo, Raymond O'Keefe
Episode 19
The rookies are involved in a case of mistaken identity when they charge the wrong man with the murder of a policeman.
Directed by Fernando LamasGuest stars Ralph Meeker, Don 'Red' Barry
Episode 20
Harrelson is the head of the Special Weapons and Tactics team, a unit trained to handle unusually volatile situations. His hard-nosed attitude about police work irks rookie Terry Webster. (This Rookies episode served as the pilot for the S.W.A.T. series).
Written by Robert HamnerGuest stars Jaime Lyn Bauer, Robert Walden, Dick Van Patten, Donna Mills, Arte Johnson, Lloyd Bochner, Steve Forrest
Episode 21
Conclusion. Harrelson is the head of the Special Weapons and Tactics team, a unit trained to handle unusually volatile situations. His hard-nosed attitude about police work irks rookie Terry Webster.
Written by Robert HamnerGuest stars Jaime Lyn Bauer, Robert Walden, Leslie Nielsen, Dick Van Patten, Donna Mills, Arte Johnson, Lloyd Bochner, Steve Forrest
Episode 22
A look into Lt. Ryker's more sensetive side has him befriending a young, mixed-up girl who reminds him of the daughter he was forced to give up for adoption. The girl's boyfriend persuades her to use her friendship with Ryker for his criminal gain.
Guest stars George D. Wallace, Richard Hatch, Anthony Eisley
Episode 23
A mentally retarded man, who longs to be a policeman, witnesses a murder in a gas station. But he has difficulty informing the police of what he saw.
Directed by Georg Stanford BrownGuest stars Mark Slade, Glynnis O'Connor, Tyne Daly, Bill Erwin, Norman Alden, Alan Fudge
Episode 24
Kate Jackson takes center stage in this thriller-styled episode. After being involved in a car accident on a stormy night an injured Jill becomes the prisoner of a disturbed man, who claims to be a doctor.
Guest stars Edward Albert, Rance Howard
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
Georg Stanford BrownTerry Webster
Sam MelvilleMike Danko
Michael OntkeanWillie Gillis
Bruce FairbairnChris Owens
Kate JacksonJill Danko
Gerald S. O'LoughlinLt. Ed Ryker
Scott Jacoby
ABCUnited StatesMore shows like The Rookies.
