viewing. In addition, five episodes were excluded from the original syndicated run, due to their overt violent content. Viacom also offered local stations the option to air either the condensed 30-minute episodes or the regular, full length 60-minute episodes. The same year Viacom assumed distribution of The Rookies in 1977, Spelling-Goldberg sold their production company to Columbia Pictures Television, which would take over syndication of The Rookies following the expiration of Viacom's contract. Sony Pictures Television, who owns most of Spelling-Goldberg's output, is the current distributor. The series was seen in reruns on TV Land in 2003. In 2014, the show aired on Grit weekday mornings (though sometimes preempted by movies). In 2016, the show aired on FamilyNet six days a week. The series began on Heroes & Icons network in March 2021, airing overnights on Saturdays. The Rookies is being aired on May 29 and 30, 2021 on Decades TV Network as part of "The Decades Binge". Home media On July 17, 2007, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the complete first season on DVD in Region 1 for the very first time. The original pilot film was not included as part of this release. On August 7, 2012 Shout Factory released the complete second season on DVD in Region 1. References External links 1972 television films 1972 films ABC Movie of the Week 1972 American television series debuts 1976 American television series endings 1970s American crime drama television series 1970s American police procedural television series American Broadcasting Company original programming English-language television shows Television series by Sony Pictures Television Television series by Spelling Television Television shows set in California Films scored by Laurence Rosenthal