Gen Z Years: What's the Real Range, And Who Keeps Changing The Goalposts?
The Rookie" Franchise: Proof That TV Execs Are Officially Out of Ideas
Alright, so they're doing another "Rookie" spin-off? Seriously?
Reruns in Disguise
Look, I get it. "The Rookie" somehow wormed its way into Gen Z's heart, becoming the fifth most popular show among teens. Fifth! What does that even mean in the age of TikTok and infinite streaming options? Are we really letting teenagers dictate the future of television? Don't even get me started on the fact that 65% of younger viewers are watching library titles. We're celebrating old content, repackaging the same garbage, and calling it "innovation."
They're casting Jay Ellis, who I admittedly liked in "Insecure," as the "oldest rookie" in some podunk Washington state police department. The premise? He changes careers after a home invasion. Give me a break. It's like they're throwing darts at a board covered in rejected Hallmark movie plots.
And then there's "RJ Decker," based on some Carl Hiaasen novel from the '80s. Scott Speedman's starring. Fine, whatever. But is this really the best we can do? Are we so creatively bankrupt that we're just dredging up old books and slapping familiar faces on them, hoping for a hit?
The Gen Z Paradox
"The Rookie" apparently survived cancellation because of Gen Z. Let that sink in. This is the generation that's supposed to be disrupting everything, and they're saving network procedurals. Irony? Or just proof that everyone eventually becomes their parents?
They say Gen Z binges shows and shares clips on TikTok. Okay, so they're not actually watching television; they're consuming it in bite-sized, context-free chunks. Great. That's exactly what we need: more fragmented attention spans and less critical thinking.
I mean, look at "Grey's Anatomy" – apparently it's the third most popular library title among gen z. What does that say? That they have no concept of when shows jump the shark? That they're cool with watching a medical drama that's been on longer than they've been alive? Am I missing something here? Or am I just getting old and cranky?
The Spin-Off Graveyard
Let's not forget "The Rookie: Feds." Remember that? Niecy Nash tried her best, bless her heart, but it lasted one season. One. Glorious. Season. So, what makes them think this new spin-off is going to be any different? Is it the irresistible charm of rural Washington? The groundbreaking premise of a middle-aged man becoming a cop? Or are they just desperate to milk every last drop out of a franchise that's already past its prime?
The article doesn't say why "The Rookie: Feds" failed, but I'm willing to bet it had something to do with the fact that it was, you know, not very good. Or maybe it was just too similar to the original. Or maybe people are just tired of cop shows. Who knows?
And this whole "Millennial dad" thing? They thought "The Rookie" was a show for Millennial dads? Now it's a gen Z obsession. 'The Rookie' Was a Millennial Dad Show Until Gen Z Made It a Hit - Pajiba What's next, is gen alpha gonna start watching Matlock reruns?
So, What's the Real Problem?
The problem isn't "The Rookie." It's not even the spin-offs, offcourse. The problem is the complete lack of imagination in Hollywood. They're so afraid of taking risks, so obsessed with chasing trends, that they're just churning out the same garbage over and over again. It's a cycle of mediocrity, and honestly, I'm tired of it. I just want something original! Something that doesn't feel like it was written by an algorithm. Is that too much to ask? Then again, maybe I'm the crazy one here.