Fans of The Rookie, brace yourselves—while the action-packed police drama has officially been renewed for an eighth season, the wait for new episodes will be longer than expected. Here's a complete rundown of what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what you can expect from Season 8.
ABC Says Yes to More Action: The Rookie Is Returning for Season 8
ABC officially renewed The Rookie for its eighth season on April 3, 2025. The announcement came shortly after Episode 12 of Season 7 aired, giving fans ample reason to celebrate. The show, which continues to blend intense law enforcement drama with heartfelt character development, shows no signs of slowing down.
When Will The Rookie Season 8 Premiere?
Here’s the not-so-great news: Season 8 won’t hit screens in fall 2025. ABC’s fall schedule, released on May 13, 2025, confirms the series is not included. Instead, The Rookie will return in midseason 2026, similar to the rollout of Season 7; while that means more waiting, it also likely promises a continuous 18-episode run without long breaks.
A Finale That Will Leave You Hanging
According to showrunner Alexi Hawley, the Season 7 finale is setting the stage for major developments. He teased that villain Monica (played by Bridget Regan) will make a major comeback, culminating in a “fun” and “unexpected” cliffhanger. Hawley also hinted that the finale would put John Nolan in serious danger and potentially revive past storylines, making the anticipation for Season 8 even higher.
Who’s Returning for Season 8?
Barring any surprise twists in the Season 7 finale, the core cast is expected to return. That includes:
- Nathan Fillion as John Nolan
- Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper
- Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez
- Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey
- Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen
- Eric Winter as Tim Bradford
- Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune
- Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers
- Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez
New faces from Season 7 also seem to be sticking around. Deric Augustine (Miles) has been promoted to a series regular, while Patrick Keleher’s character, Seth, was written out due to repeated lies. Expect Augustine’s role to expand in Season 8.
When to Catch the Season 7 Finale
The Rookie Season 7 wraps up on Tuesday, May 13 at 9/8c. The episode is expected to deliver a high-stakes cliffhanger that will set the tone for the next chapter.
Is There a Trailer for Season 8 Yet?
Not yet! With the premiere slated for 2026, the trailer will likely drop closer to the release window. Until then, fans will have to rely on teasers and interviews for updates.
What About a Rookie Universe Series?
There’s potential for the Rookie universe to grow even bigger. A spinoff was first mentioned in December 2024, focused on a male cop starting a new phase of life in Washington state. As of May 2025, Hawley confirmed there’s a script under development, and while it hasn’t received a green light yet, he remains hopeful.
According to him, the aim is to capture the same unpredictability and excitement that The Rookie is known for. “Anytime they get out of their police cars, anything can happen,” he said, hinting that this formula could carry over into the new show.
A Longer Wait, but Big Things Ahead
While we’ll have to wait a bit longer to reunite with John Nolan and his team, The Rookie Season 8 is shaping up to be worth the anticipation; with a thrilling cliffhanger, potential new villains, cast promotions, and even a spinoff on the horizon, the future of The Rookie franchise looks brighter—and busier—than ever.
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