Jenna Dewan is set to simultaneously film the ninth season of The Rookie and compete in season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. Both ABC productions are coordinating her schedule this fall to ensure she can fulfill her duties on both sets.
The Los Angeles advantage for ABC's scheduling
The logistical feasibility of Jenna Dewan's dual commitment relies heavily on geography. As reported by the source, both The Rookie and Dancing with the Stars film their productions in Los Angeles , which eliminates the need for cross-country travel and simplifies the daily coordination between the two teams.
According to the report , the production teams at ABC are actively collaborating to manage Dewan's calendar . While the actress admitted to TV Insider that she expects to feel overwhelmed by the demands of bouncing between a scripted proceduarl and a rigorous dance competition, she has framed the situation as an exciting professional challenge.
Why the Step Up and Glee alumni sparked fan backlash
The announcement of the Dancing with the Stars season 35 cast on September 2 triggered immediate criticism from viewers regarding the competitive fairness of the competition. Specifically, fans pointed to the professional dance backgrounds of Jenna Dewan and fellow cast member Harry Shum Jr. as an unfair advantage.
Dewan's history as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and her lead role in the film Step Up, combined with Shum Jr.'s experience in the Step Up franchise and the series Glee, led some to argue they are overqualified for a celebrity competition. However, both performers have defended their participation, claiming that ballroom dancing is a distinct discipline fundamentally different from the commercial and contemporary styles they have previously mastered.
A midseason 2027 premiere for The Rookie season 9
The timeline for The Rookie provides a significant buffer that allows Jenna Dewan to focus on her ballroom training with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Because the ninth season of the procedural is not scheduled to premiere until midseason 2027, the production has ample time to film episodes throughout the fall without rushing the schedule.
This flexibility is crucial for the show's narrative continuity. Since joining the series in season 3, Dewan's character, Bailey Nune, has evolved from a guest star to a series regular and the wife of lead character John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. Given the central nature of the Nune-Nolan marriage in the plot, her presence remains a cornerstone of the show's emotional stakes.
Will Bailey Nune's screen time shrink in season 9?
Despite the coordination between ABC shows, a critical question remains regarding the actual volume of work Jenna Dewan will perform on The Rookie. The source notes that it is currently unclear if her screen time as Bailey Nune will be reduced to accommodate the grueling rehearsal schedule of Dancing with the Stars.
If Dewan's role is scaled back, the narrative weight may shift more heavily toward other series regulars, such as Alyssa Diaz,Richard T. Jones, or Melissa O'Neil. Whether the writers will write her character out of certain episodes or rely on heavy editing to mask her absence remains an unverified detail of the production plan.
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