When it comes to charm and wit, The Rookie star Nathan Fillion has always had a reputation for keeping things lighthearted on set. Recently, that trademark humor — specifically his arsenal of “dad jokes” — caught the attention of none other than Jensen Ackles, the Supernatural and The Boys fan-favorite actor who guest-starred on the ABC drama. The result? A hilarious behind-the-scenes friendship that fans can’t get enough of.
A Meeting of TV Icons
Season 5 of The Rookie brought Jensen Ackles into the fold as the charismatic and slightly unpredictable LAPD officer Elijah Stone. His presence added even more energy to a cast already brimming with strong personalities. But what really stood out was the dynamic between Ackles and Fillion when the cameras weren’t rolling.
On set, Fillion reportedly leaned into his love of puns, witty one-liners, and yes, unapologetic “dad jokes.” Instead of rolling his eyes, Ackles gave him a thumbs-up — and in true social media fashion, fans were treated to snippets of their banter.
Jensen Ackles Gives His Seal of Approval
In interviews and posts, Ackles joked that Fillion’s humor was “dangerously contagious.” While Ackles is known for his own quick wit from years of conventions and blooper reels, he admitted that Fillion’s steady stream of dad jokes kept the set atmosphere light and made long filming days more enjoyable.
“Nathan doesn’t just play the wise, good-hearted cop on The Rookie,” Ackles quipped. “He is that guy. And the dad jokes? They’re pretty solid.”
For fans who grew up watching Castle, Firefly, or Supernatural, the idea of these two genre icons trading jokes between takes felt like a crossover event all its own.
Fans React With Excitement
The approval didn’t go unnoticed by the fan community. Social media lit up with comments celebrating the duo’s camaraderie. One fan wrote, “Forget crossovers — just give me Nathan and Jensen telling dad jokes for 30 minutes every week.” Another said, “I didn’t know I needed Ackles and Fillion together until now. This is my new favorite duo.”
The interaction even sparked calls for more appearances by Ackles on The Rookie or in future projects with Fillion. Fans argue their chemistry off-screen is too good not to bring back to the small screen in some form.
Nathan Fillion: Humor as a Trademark
Fillion has long balanced his dramatic roles with a sharp sense of humor. Whether as the quick-witted writer Richard Castle, the spacefaring rogue Malcolm Reynolds, or Officer John Nolan in The Rookie, his ability to inject levity has become one of his calling cards.
The fact that Ackles, who has built a career on roles balancing toughness with humor, appreciated Fillion’s style feels like a natural meeting of minds. Their exchange reinforced why audiences love both actors — they bring authenticity, fun, and heart to everything they do.
Will We See More of This Duo?
While there’s no official word on Ackles’ future appearances in The Rookie, the overwhelmingly positive fan response to his episodes and his off-screen friendship with Fillion certainly leaves the door open. If nothing else, it shows that sometimes, the simplest moments — like a perfectly timed dad joke — can create the biggest impact among cast members and fans alike.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Nathan Fillion’s “dad jokes” are more than just throwaway lines — they’re part of what makes him such a beloved figure in Hollywood. The fact that Jensen Ackles, another fan-favorite known for his humor and charisma, gave them his enthusiastic approval only adds to the fun.
Whether on set, in interviews, or in future collaborations, one thing is clear: when Nathan Fillion and Jensen Ackles share the spotlight, fans win.
