‘The Rookie’ on Set: Where Is the TV Show Filmed?

“The Rookie,” aired on Sky Witness and ABC, unfolds in the vibrant setting of Los Angeles, California. This engaging series charts the journey of John Nolan, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, a 40-year-old who relocates from Pennsylvania to LA with ambitions of embarking on a new path as a police officer. Early on, Nolan finds residence in a guest house belonging to a college friend, situated on the grounds of an opulent L.A. mansion.

Initially, the narrative introduces us to Nolan’s life in Pennsylvania, where he was the owner of a construction business. His venture into law enforcement sees him joining the ranks of the Wilshire Division, a sector of the Los Angeles Police Department. “The Rookie” captures Nolan’s experiences at the Police Academy in LA, where he stands out as the oldest rookie in his class. The series adeptly navigates through Nolan’s adventures as he encounters a mix of dangerous, comedic, and unforeseen scenarios, all while striving to establish his worth.

Production of “The Rookie” took place in Los Angeles and New York City in early 2018, with filming also extending to downtown Oxnard in Ventura County, California. Notably, the pilot episode features the historic A. Levy bank building in Oxnard. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power building on Hope Street is portrayed as the Mid-Wilshire Division Police Station. Other filming locations across LA include Hewitt Street, Mateo Street, Anderson Street, Boyd Street, Mission Street, and the Los Angeles City Hall, presenting a rich tapestry of the city’s landscape.

The Motion Pictures Association of America notes that the filming spanned 64 days in LA, engaging over 1,500 crew members and 3,000 extras, showcasing the series’ significant contribution to the local film industry. Produced by ABC Studios and The Mark Gordon Company, “The Rookie” also utilized Willows Studios in Los Angeles for various scenes, further embedding itself in the fabric of the city’s illustrious cinematic history.