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ABC officially renewed The Rookie for Season 8 in April 2025, following its highest ratings in the past five years and record-breaking streaming numbers on Hulu.
- Season 8 is expected to have 18 episodes, the same as Season 7.
- The series will return midseason, most likely in January 2026, and will not be part of ABC’s Fall 2025 schedule.
- Production on Season 8 has already begun, and fans can catch up on previous seasons via ABC, Hulu, and Disney+.
Confirmed Cast Returns
- Nathan Fillion (John Nolan) is confirmed to return, having shared his excitement on Instagram when the renewal was announced.
- Eric Winter (Tim Bradford) has also confirmed his return with behind-the-scenes posts.
- Mekia Cox (Nyla Harper), Alyssa Diaz (Angela Lopez), Jenna Dewan (Bailey Nune), Lisseth Chavez (Celina Juarez), Richard T. Jones (Wade Grey), and Melissa O’Neil (Lucy Chen) are all expected to return.
- While ABC hasn’t issued an official full cast list yet, these actors are highly likely to reprise their roles.
Returning & Updated Roles
- Bridget Regan (Monica Stevens) – the cunning defense attorney who helped Oscar escape – is confirmed to return in Season 8.
- Key storylines like “Chenford” (Lucy & Tim), Monica, Oscar, and major criminal arcs are expected to continue with dramatic resolutions ahead.
- Showrunner Alexi Hawley has teased new directions for Wesley (Shawn Ashmore), hinting at a possible run for District Attorney.
Pete Davidson – Potential Comeback
- At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, Nathan Fillion and Alexi Hawley revealed that Pete Davidson (Pete Nolan) – who has made occasional appearances in past seasons – has been officially invited back and is “eager” to return in Season 8.
- Fillion praised Davidson as “a joy on set” and said he’s “welcome anytime.”
- Fans on social media have expressed excitement at the possibility of his comeback.
Release Date & How to Watch
- The Rookie Season 8 will premiere midseason (likely January 2026) in its usual Tuesday night slot on ABC.
- All previous seasons are currently available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
Quick Recap
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal & Episodes | Confirmed for 18 episodes, same as Season 7. |
| Premiere Date | Midseason debut, likely January 2026. |
| Main Cast Returning | Nathan Fillion, Eric Winter, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Jenna Dewan, Lisseth Chavez, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil. |
| Returning Antagonist | Bridget Regan (Monica Stevens). |
| Possible Cameo | Pete Davidson expected to return, discussions ongoing. |
| Where to Watch | ABC, Hulu, Disney+. |
| Key Storylines | Chenford, Oscar, Monica, Wesley — with potential new arcs. |
