The cast of ABC’s popular police drama, The Rookie, is known for their commitment to authenticity, even if it sometimes leads to unexpected on-set injuries. During a recent panel at Epic Con Chicago in 2024, stars Eric Winter, Melissa O’Neil, Shawn Ashmore, and others shared their personal experiences with stunt work that went awry.
Melissa O’Neil, who portrays Sgt. Lucy Chen, recounted a harrowing incident where she suffered a severe head injury. While filming a scene, O’Neil cracked her head open on concrete—not just once, but twice. The injury resulted in a full concussion, leaving her feeling nauseous and experiencing significant changes in her personality, as she described at the panel.
Shawn Ashmore, who plays lawyer Wesley Evers, also recalled a frightening moment during season four. While performing a simple tackle, he felt a sharp pain and later discovered he had broken a rib. He recalled the adrenaline rushing during the filming when he ran into his scene partner, only to end the day in significant discomfort, eventually leading to a hospital visit urged by his wife.
Eric Winter, who portrays Sgt. Tim Bradford, shared a lighter story, recalling a moment when he accidentally injured his co-star Alyssa Diaz while shooting a fight scene. Winter admitted to being particularly enthusiastic about his fight choreography, drawing inspiration from the martial arts series Cobra Kai, which led to an unintended mishap.
Since its debut in 2018, The Rookie has amassed a growing fan base, with viewer numbers soaring. Nathan Fillion, one of the show’s lead actors, acknowledged the increased pressure that comes with the show’s rising popularity. He recounted experiences of fans expressing their love for the show outside of filming, which adds an extra layer of challenge during production.
As anticipation builds, The Rookie is set to return for its eighth season on January 6, 2026, offering fans another round of thrilling episodes. The dedication displayed by the cast not only enriches the show’s authenticity but also highlights the risks they take to deliver an engaging viewing experience.