‘The Rookie’ will plug into national police debate
As the nation grapples with police brutality and racism following the death of George Floyd, that discussion will find its way into the third season of ABC’s cop drama “The Rookie.”
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in an interview last week that the series starring Nathan Fillion as a middle-aged newcomer to the LAPD would reflect the issues that had arisen since Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer on May 25.
The nationwide protests over Floyd have led to scrutiny of TV’s role in perpetuating police heroism and misrepresenting black people. Two reality series on police work — Paramount Network’s “Cops” and A&E’s “Live PD” — have been canceled amid concerns that they contribute to distorted views of law enforcement (ABC parent Walt Disney Co. co-owns A&E with Hearst).
Burke is hopeful that the writers and producers on “The Rookie” can realistically address those issues.
“Our showrunner Alexi Hawley is seeking out new voices and important voices to help inform and frame the stories he is telling this season,” Burke said.
Hawley has representatives from Color of Change, a consulting firm focusing on racial diversity in the entertainment industry, in the show’s virtual writers room.
He has also consulted with Ryan Tillman, founder of Breaking Barriers United, an organization focused on improving the relationship between police and the communities they serve. Tillman is a black officer in the Chino Police Department.
“The cast of ‘The Rookie’ is already quite diverse,” Burke said, “and they are going to be working to be thoughtful about the stories they are telling about those characters.”
The Floyd case has intensified the spotlight on media companies’ record on diversity issues. ABC News is currently investigating a report that alleges veteran executive Barbara Fedida made racist comments about the network’s on-air talent. She is currently on administrative leave.
ABC Entertainment has a strong track record of diversity in its casting but has been making efforts to improve its record behind the camera. Burke said her division recently implemented an “executive incubator program” to help improve diversity in the management ranks.