The Rookie-Game Changer Dropout Crossover Episode Set for March

Variety

by Jennifer Maas

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

"The Rookie" and Dropout's "Game Changer" are set to collide in an eagerly anticipated crossover episode titled "Fun and Games." Scheduled to air on March 2 at 10 p.m. on ABC, this special episode will bring together the casts of both shows, blending the worlds of the popular police procedural with the indie comedy platform’s competition series. The episode, filmed partly at Dropout's Los Angeles studios, promises a mix of familiar faces from "The Rookie" and fresh talent from Dropout, including CEO Sam Reich and frequent collaborators Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, Zac Oyama, and Anna Garcia. In "Fun and Games," viewers can expect to see recurring characters like Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez, and Deric Augustine as Miles Penn. The episode’s plot centers on Harper grappling with past mistakes while tasked with training Miles. Meanwhile, Nolan finds himself at Dropout Studios responding to a robbery call, where he encounters a familiar face—a nod to the crossover theme. The collaboration marks a significant moment for both ABC and Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor). Following its March 2 premiere on ABC, the episode will be available to stream on Hulu the next day. This partnership highlights Dropout’s rise as a growing platform, recently hitting 1 million paid subscribers and expanding its production capabilities. The crossover also coincides with the platform’s recent launch of its first-ever licensed series, "Don’t Hug Me I’m Sc

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026