By Kayla DeKraker
While Nathan Fillion is best-known for his current starring role in ABC’s THE ROOKIE, he previously led another hit procedural drama called CASTLE.
The hit series ran from 2009-2016 but recently found a surge of viewership on Apple TV, becoming one of the top series on the streamer’s domestic charts.
CASTLE follows Fillion as Richard Castle, a witty best-selling mystery novelist who teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett to solve unusual crimes in New York City. The chemistry between Fillion and co-star Stana Katic served as the main premise of the show, and their romance became one of the most exciting plot points of the eight seasons.
But what exactly makes the show so special?
Collider speculated, “A strong central partnership is the secret ingredient of great crime procedurals, and it’s fair to say that CASTLE fit the bill and took it even further. It can be argued that the series challenged the parameters of the genre while bringing an inventive mixture of comedy and drama to the fore.”
Related: Nathan Fillion Launches Production Company: ‘Tell Meaningful Stories’
“Unlike THE ROOKIE, CASTLE did not follow conventional law enforcement pathways,” the outlet continued. “Fillion’s Rick Castle isn’t a traditional law enforcement officer as he embodies an author who finds himself solving crimes alongside the New York City Police Department.”
During its run, CASTLE was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and won the 2013 ASCAP award. Fillion’s costar Jon Huertas also won the 2012 favorite TV Actor-Supporting Role in a Drama.
Fillion’s work seems to thrive wherever he goes.
Deadline recently reported, “THE ROOKIE Season 8 premiere drew 7.88 million total viewers after 3 days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, rising over last season’s premiere (+6% vs. 7.40 million on 1/7/25) and matching its best premiere performance in MP+3 since Season 2 on 9/29/19.”
Part of Movieguide®’s review for episode 1 from Season 6 reads:
THE ROOKIE is an intense and compelling show, and the opening to Season 6 does not shy away from large action set pieces. The series maintains its positive outlook on law enforcement and John’s insistence on protecting and serving his community, even at the risk of his own life. There is no foul language or objectionable sexual content. However, the crime scenes and intense shootouts between the police and the criminals are graphic and bloody, especially for a TV-14 series. Despite these elements, this episode is still a largely moral and positive display of the first responder’s sacrifice and hard work.
While Fillion finds success with THE ROOKIE, his former CASTLE co-star Katic stars in ABSENTIA, another crime drama on Netflix. The series ran 2016 to 2020 on Prime Video before moving to the other streamer.
TV Line reported in November, “As of November 24, the show was at the No. 3 spot of the streaming service’s 10 most viewed TV shows in the United States — a good indication that it’s getting noticed.”
There is no shortage of exciting procedural shows, whether current or past. Check out Movieguide®’s reviews to find the best viewing options for your family.
Read Next: THE ROOKIE Makes a Major Splash on Netflix as Fans Eagerly Await Season 8
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