Top TV Song Last Week: Daddy Cop by Zander Hawley
ABC’s acclaimed crime drama, The Rookie, celebrated a momentous milestone with its 100th episode premiering on February 27, 2024. The show has remained a favorite among Tunefind fans throughout its six seasons. In 2023 The Rookie was the 13th most popular series on Tunefind. The show follows the journey of John Nolan (portrayed by Nathan Fillion), a fortysomething man who embarks on a remarkable career change to become the oldest rookie in the Los Angeles Police Department.
This week’s top TV song is an infectious earworm, originating from the series itself and leaving fans humming along. Making its debut in last year’s fifth season, this comedic gem holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Notably, it’s penned and performed on-screen by the son of the series’ creator and executive producer, Alexi Hawley.
Daddy Cop (From the TV Show “The Rookie”)
from The Rookie · Season 6 · Episode 2 · The Hammer
At the beginning; Nolan and Celina on a noise complaint.
Officers Nolan and Juarez respond to a noise complaint in a quiet neighborhood, where they were specifically requested. Nolan questions the call’s nature, casually dismissing it before realizing the noise is coming from a garage slowly opening behind him. Inside, the band from episode 513‘s “Daddy Cop” cold open, begins playing. Lead singer Rodge (Zander Hawley) catches Nolan’s attention with the memorable lyrics. As the song unfolds, Nolan approaches the garage while Juarez discusses de-escalation techniques. A choir joins the performance, followed by a guitar solo from a van outside. Despite the spectacle, Nolan retreats to the police cruiser in defeat.
This episode is the 100th of the series so everyone wanted to make sure it was as special as possible. From a music perspective there wasn’t a better way to do that than to reprise a fan favorite original song that first made an appearance last season.” — Music supervisors Liza Richardson and Marc Mondello
The reintroduction of the song ‘Daddy Cop’ serves as a delightful gift to the show’s fans, offering them an extended and more elaborately developed rendition of the track. Originally featured in a hilarious cold open during episode 513, the song quickly became a fan favorite due to its catchy melody and witty lyrics. With its reappearance, fans were treated to a longer and more fleshed-out version of ‘Daddy Cop,’ in addition to the song being officially released and available to purchase and stream.
Tunefind had the opportunity to chat with series music supervisors Liza Richardson and Marc Mondello, who shed light on how the placement of the song came together. “This episode is the 100th of the series so everyone wanted to make sure it was as special as possible,” they shared. “From a music perspective, there wasn’t a better way to do that than to reprise a fan favorite original song that first made an appearance last season.” They emphasized the need to elevate the song for the milestone episode, stating, “But of course, it had to be turned up to ’11’ for episode 100. From the initial script through shooting, it was a massive team effort, especially with the added elements of a live choir and the guitar player emerging from a parked van to shred a solo.”
Liza and Marc elaborated on the collaborative effort behind the memorable scene, highlighting the contributions of various parties involved. “It wouldn’t have happened without the help of everyone, including Zander, The Rookie team, eOne/Lionsgate, and Encompass Music,” they explained. “Zander’s original song is such a clever earworm that even on the day of the shoot, you would notice various cast and crew members singing the chorus randomly while preparing for the next shot.” They expressed excitement about the fan response and gratitude, noting, “We were definitely excited to see how it would be received by the fanbase, so we’re thrilled to see the song at number one on Tunefind! Thank you, Tunefind!”
Artist Zander Hawley took to TikTok to share the scene with fans, writing, “You loved Daddy Cop, and now you can listen to it on repeat 😉 Stream #TheRookie on Hulu!”
@zhawl_ You loved Daddy Cop, and now you can listen to it on repeat 😉 Stream #TheRookie ♬ original sound – Zander Hawley
Zander Hawley is a songwriter from Los Angeles, who according to his bio on Bandcamp, “likes sunrises and jumping in cold water with his clothes on.”
Hawley has had a number of songs appear in The Rookie, in addition to his music appearing in series such as The Following and The Recruit.
More
〉Listen now: ‘Daddy Cop (From the TV Show “The Rookie”)’ by Zander Hawley
〉More music by Zander Hawley
〉Full list of songs featured in The Rookie soundtrack
