‘The Rookie: Feds’ Creator Alexi Hawley On Drama’s Demise: It Wasn’t Just Due To The Strike, He Says

Creator Alexi Hawley expressed regret on Saturday about the cancellation of The Rookie: Feds, an ABC procedural that he said was a victim of economics and “consolidation in the industry.”

While appearing on the dais for The Rookie at the Television Critics Tour, Hawley said some people tried to blame the show’s demise on the strike but “it’s a bigger conversation than that.” The ratings for The Rookie: Feds were modest but were trending in a positive direction before the series starring Niecy Nash-Betts was canceled after one season in November.

“A lot had to do with the forces that led to strike … the consolidation of the industry, the economic impact of the streaming wars have had on different companies,” Hawley said. “I do feel it was not a creative decision. It was a business decision. I can’t argue with that. I’m not running anything. It was a treat for us. We love that show … it’s all I can really say.”

When asked to expand on those forces that led to the show’s demise, Hawley continued, “I think the honest answer is I’m not sure, nor do I think the industry knows what is happening right now. The strike is still fairly close in our rear view mirror. Consolidation is happening across the industry. ABC has been nothing but supportive about The Rookie. Again, The Rookie: Feds was an unfortunate casualty, more of a casualty of the whole process.”

The Rookie: Feds starred Nash-Betts as Simone, a former guidance counselor living her dream of becoming an FBI agent, making her the oldest rookie in the agency. Taking on the role came with challenges as many doubted her capabilities, mainly her boss, Special Agent Matthew Garza (Felix Solis).

Hawley and showrunner Terence Paul Winter served as co-creators and executive producers.