The Rookie season 7 didn’t end on a satisfying note, meaning season 8 has its work cut out for it — the biggest issue it must address isn’t the frustrating state of Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen’s relationship, though; it’s Celina Juarez’s replacement. The police procedural’s seventh season had its ups and downs. The Rookie season 7, episode 8 was a highlight, featuring a great villain, an instant classic Chenford scene, and an ending that left my jaw on the floor. However, as the episodes continued, the show lost its magic, and the lackluster, predictable finale only made it worse.
According to a report from TVLine, ABC is holding The Rookie season 8 (and Will Trent season 4) for midseason, meaning it won’t premiere until early 2026. The good news is that season 8 will contain 18 episodes that air weekly with no interruptions, with a possible exception or two.
During the season 7 finale of The Rookie, John Nolan tracked down Oscar Hutchinson, one of the show’s infamous villains. Unfortunately, for Nolan, Oscar kidnapped him. Nyla Harper ultimately saved Nolan, but he got away just in time for Monica Stevens to make her (uninspired) return. As for the Chenford side of things, the former couple attempted to discuss their future. Given their conflicting shifts, though, Tim and Lucy were unable to fix their relationship before the finale was over, meaning season 8 still has to do so. But first, the upcoming episodes must tackle finding Celina’s replacement.
The Rookie Season 8 Needs To Find Nolan’s Next Rookie After Celina’s Finished Her Training
Nolan’s Role As A Training Officer Is Important
One of The Rookie season 7’s most prominent problems came after Celina graduated from the FTO (Field Training Officer) program. Lisseth Cavez’s Rookie character was introduced in season 5 when she was assigned as Nolan’s first rookie after officially becoming a training officer. The two of them certainly experienced some speed bumps, but their dynamic was ultimately something to behold. However, Celina had to graduate eventually, and she did so in season 7. Now, she’s been promoted to Police Officer II and is already excelling on her own. Meanwhile, Nolan is rookie-less.
Celina has flown the coop in the ABC police procedural series, and Nolan needs his next assignment. Unfortunately, The Rookie season 7 ended without Nolan getting a new (permanent) rookie, even though he is still technically a training officer. So, when The Rookie season 8 premieres, Nathan Fillion’s character should have a new probationary trainee to instruct through the FTO program.
Nolan’s Next Rookie Needs To Offer Something Other Than What The Rookie Did With Celina
Nolan Needs A New Challenge
When Nolan gets his next assignment in The Rookie season 8, they can’t be a carbon copy of Celina. She was quite a challenge for Nolan, especially because she was his first rookie. However, the protagonist must encounter new problems with his new probationary trainee if the show’s writers want Nolan to continue growing as a character. It’s unclear what kind of obstacles Nolan will encounter with his next rookie; they just can’t replicate what happened with Celina. Otherwise, Nolan’s The Rookie season 8 arc would be a bore.
The Rookie Season 7 Gave Nolan A Couple Of Celina Replacements, But None Stuck Around
Could Any Characters Return?
The good news is that season 7 provided Nolan with a couple of examples of what he can expect with his next rookie. Lieutenant Grey assigned him Connor Craig in The Rookie season 7, episode 12. Connor was a year into his training when he got transferred to Nolan, and Nolan quickly discovered why the young man was being passed off to him. Connor was quite incompetent and didn’t seem to have any natural instincts. However, after only one day with Nolan, Connor showed massive improvement. Unfortunately, Grey still transferred him to a less hectic LAPD station by the hour’s end.
Then, Seth Ridley returned in The Rookie season 7, episode 16, and became Nolan’s rookie. Seth had many problems, and Nolan tried to guide him in the right direction, but the young man got shot in the leg before Nolan could make any real difference with the rookie. Seth had to have his leg amputated, possibly ending his career. Consequently, Nolan was left rookie-less again. Perhaps either Connor or Seth could return in The Rookie season 8 and become Nolan’s rookie (preferably Connor), but the more likely option is that an unfamiliar face will be Nolan’s next assignment, permanently replacing Celina.
