The Rookie has had disappointing outings as of late, but the show can get back on track in season 8, as long as it gets one thing right. ABC’s police procedural series has been a success since it premiered (at least regarding ratings). However, like most shows, The Rookie’s quality has declined over the years. It certainly isn’t what it used to be.
The Rookie season 8 is expected to premiere in early 2026, consisting of 18 episodes.
Comparing season 7 to seasons 1, 2, or even 5 isn’t fair, because when The Rookie is good, it’s really good. There’s a reason why so many people are drawn to it. Unfortunately, The Rookie hasn’t reached that level of greatness in a couple of years, meaning it’s time for a change. Luckily, one component of season 8 can right the ship.
Nolan Needs A New Rookie After Celina Graduated In Season 7
Nathan Fillion’s Character Is Still A Training Officer
After John Nolan received a “golden ticket” in The Rookie season 5, he decided that he wanted to be a training officer. His first recruit was Celina Juarez, and the two formed a tight bond. However, now that Celina has graduated from the FTO (field training officer) program and is no longer in her first year, Nolan needs a new rookie.
Celina graduated in The Rookie season 7, episode 7, leaving Nolan as a training officer without a rookie. Lieutenant Grey assigned him a couple of new rookies (Connor Craig and Seth Ridley), but neither stuck. So, the season ended with Nolan as a lonely training officer. Consequently, the writers must find someone who could be Celina’s permanent replacement in The Rookie season 8.
Season 8 Could Be A Disaster If Nolan’s Rookie Doesn’t Meet Expectations
The ABC Show Relies On Its Rookies
Given that the show is titled The Rookie, it relies heavily on its characters, who are rookies. The series began with Nolan, Lucy Chen, and Jackson West as the newbies, and they will always be the best set of rookies. It’s always going to be difficult for anyone to live up to their names. That doesn’t mean The Rookie shouldn’t try.
But if The Rookie season 8 gets its next rookie wrong, then everything will be messed up.
Aaron Thorsen and Celina were decent replacements in The Rookie season 5, and Seth and Miles Penn were also somewhat worthy of stepping into the rookie role in season 7 (more so Miles than Seth). However, with Seth gone and Nolan needing a new cop to train, someone else must step up to the plate in The Rookie season 8.
As of the writing of this article, it’s unclear who Celina’s replacement will be in The Rookie season 8. Whoever it is, though, they have high expectations to meet. The rookies are the backbone of the crime drama, and if they’re duds, then so is the show. As a result, if Nolan’s next rookie fails to impress, then The Rookie will continue its decline.
If the opposite happens and Nolan’s new trainee is a success, the ABC police procedural series will be saved from further destruction. Of course, plenty of other developments and storylines factor into the show’s quality. For example, Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen’s relationship is quite important. But if The Rookie season 8 gets its next rookie wrong, then everything will be messed up.
Who Could Replace Celina As Nolan’s Rookie In Season 8?
The Rookie Could Bring In A New Cast Member
As mentioned above, ABC hasn’t announced any new casting developments for The Rookie season 8 (yet). In fact, there has been little to no discussion of who will replace Celina by the TV show’s writers or producers. Nevertheless, a new rookie has to be coming to Mid-Wilshire Station soon. Nolan is still a training officer, after all, and needs to fulfill his role.
The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley told TVLine that season 8 wouldn’t start with a time jump. Instead, the premiere will be “fairly continuous.” So, the characters will undoubtedly have to deal with Monica before even thinking about getting a new rookie for Nolan. That gives the writers and producers more time to think about what (or who) comes next for the protagonist.
The Rookie Season 7 Ending Explained
Even if season 8 doesn’t introduce Nolan’s new rookie until later, the series still has to get it right. Perhaps they will be a new character, or someone we have seen before. Seth or Connor may return in The Rookie season 8. It’s much more likely that Connor will resume his role as Nolan’s rookie than Seth (given his injury), but anything is possible.
Whatever the case, Celina’s replacement in The Rookie season 8 is crucial to the show’s success. The character could bring new life to the struggling crime drama, saving it from its two-season slump. Or they could continue the series’ downward trend. Perhaps this is putting too much pressure on the unknown character. However, The Rookie is nothing without its rookies.
