The Rookiecreator and showrunner Alexi Hawley gives a candid response whether Niecy Nash will return to the series. The Emmy-winning Nash led the short-lived spinoffThe Rookie: Feds, in the role of Simone Clark. The story followed Simone as the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy, offering a few tweaks to the premise of the original series. But because of complications related to the writers and actors strike, and less-than-expected ratings,The Rookie: Fedswas cancelled after one season.
In an interview withScreen Rant’s Rachel Foertsch to discuss the premiere ofThe Rookieseason 7, Hawley was asked about the fact thatThe Rookiehas been bringing in supporting characters from the spinoff and whether that could include Nash. The creator and showrunner acknowledges that Nash was busy with other projects. However, heremains hopeful that she will be able to return as Simone. Read the quote below:
We would obviously love to have Niecy [Nash] back in our universe. Niecy is a very busy woman, and so I guess I can say that we’re not necessarily going to see her again in the near term, but hold out hope that she’s got a window for us.
What Nash’s Return To The Rookie Would Mean
Even though Nash ledThe Rookiespinoff, she first appeared in a few episodes of the original to set up her own series. She also appeared in two episodes ofThe Rookieseason 5. Simone has not been seen onThe Rookiesince. But as recently asThe Rookieseason 7 premiere, the ABC drama has welcomed backFedscharacter Garza (Felix Solis). Sothe connection between the two shows is alive and well.
There are two things that may stand in the way of an appearance by Nash. The actor, as Hawley says, is attached to other series. She’s coming off a highly-praised turn in the crime thrillerGrotesquerieand will next star in the legal dramaAll’s Fairfrom Ryan Murphy. The latter show is currently in production. Another thing to keep in mind is that there’sa new spinoff ofThe Rookiein the works. If it moves along in the development process, the focus could turn to that instead.
The plannedRookiespinoff is in its early stages, with Hawley writing the script, with the protagonist being a male cop in Washington state.
But if the circumstances line up, an appearance byNash could help bring closure toThe Rookie: Fedsafter its cancellationand allow the attention to turn to the second attempt at a spinoff properly. As the lead star ofFeds, Nash is key to that closure and she is a stellar cast member to have in even a small capacity.
Our Take On Nash’s Potential Return To The Rookie
Hopefully, It Can Happen
Although it doesn’t sound like Simone will be back in the near future, Nash is an excellent performer with varied performances. If there’s a window to bring her back, and the right storyline for Simone, Hawley and his team should make the effort to integrate her withThe Rookiecast.
The Rookie
Cast
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
