ABC’s popular police drama The Rookie has officially been renewed for Season 8, following the conclusion of its action-packed Season 7 finale on May 14, 2025. Fans can rest easy knowing that the story of Officer John Nolan and his LAPD colleagues will continue — and the new season is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet.
🎬 Returning Cast
Nathan Fillion is set to return as John Nolan, now a seasoned training officer, alongside key cast members including:
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Melissa O’Neil (Lucy Chen)
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Eric Winter (Tim Bradford)
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Mekia Cox (Nyla Harper)
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Alyssa Diaz (Angela Lopez)
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Jenna Dewan (Bailey Nune)
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Richard T. Jones (Sergeant Grey)
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Shawn Ashmore (Wesley Evers)
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Lisseth Chavez (Celina Juarez)
One exciting cast update: Deric Augustine, who plays tech-savvy analyst Miles Penn, has been promoted to series regular for Season 8.
📖 Plot Expectations
Showrunner Alexi Hawley has teased that Season 8 will dive deeper into unresolved storylines left hanging in the Season 7 finale — particularly surrounding villain Oscar (Matthew Glave), the manipulative Monica (Bridget Regan), and the fan-favorite romance between Lucy and Tim (Chenford).
“There’s definitely time-sensitive stuff we left hanging,” Hawley said. “We’re not planning a time jump — we want to pick up right where we left off.”
🤩 Guest Stars & Surprises
Fans may also be in for a treat: comedian Pete Davidson, who made a surprise appearance as Pete Nolan (John’s half-brother), may return if scheduling allows. Hawley expressed his interest in bringing Pete back, saying they “always want more Pete Nolan in this universe.”
📺 When and Where to Watch
Season 8 of The Rookie is expected to premiere in early 2026 as part of ABC’s midseason lineup. New episodes will air Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on ABC and will stream the following day on Hulu. Previous seasons are available to binge now on Hulu and Disney+.
🎉 What to Expect
With key characters returning, new faces stepping into the spotlight, and plenty of unanswered questions left from Season 7, The Rookie Season 8 promises intense drama, emotional growth, and more high-stakes cases. Whether you’re here for the action, the heart, or the Chenford chemistry — there’s plenty to look forward to.
