When The Rookie returns on Jan. 7, fans might notice the absence of a beloved character—Officer Aaron Thorsen. Why did Tru Valentino leave the show, and is there a chance his character will return in the future? Here’s everything to know ahead of the premiere.
Valentino joined ABC’s The Rookie in Season 4 as Officer Thorsen, a wealthy former TikTok star who rose to worldwide fame after being wrongfully accused of murdering his roommate while studying abroad. Despite the public scrutiny, Thorsen pursued a career in law enforcement and joined the LAPD under Nyla Harper, who mentored him as her second probationary trainee.
At the end of Season 5 — Valentino’s first as a series regular — Thorsen experienced a life-altering incident when he was shot, which led him to seek therapy in Season 6 with Dr. Blair London to help process his emotional trauma. However, London was not who she seemed; she manipulated Thorsen and the LAPD by secretly providing information about police activities to Monica Stevens.
Why Did Tru Valentino Leave The Rookie?
In August 2024, TVLine confirmed that Valentino would not be returning to The Rookie as Aaron Thorsen in Season 7. Showrunner Alexi Hawley later cited creative reasons for Valentino’s exit but assured fans that the door remains open for the actor to reprise his role in the future.
“Of course. Tru [Valentino] is a great actor, and he was a huge part of our show for several seasons, and so we’d love to have him back in some capacity,” the writer told Screen Rant. “It just ultimately felt like, creatively, for where the show was going, that we needed to pivot a bit. But he’s still very much alive in our universe.”
One day after Valentino’s departure was announced, on Aug. 9, the actor addressed the news on his social media. “I will always cherish my time on The Rookie but couldn’t be more excited for what the future has in store,” he shared on his Instagram story at the time. “I adore the friends and relationships made while being there. It was such an amazing opportunity and feel so lucky to have had the last 3 seasons. Thank you to the best fans in the world, I know I don’t talk much, but I appreciate you all so much.”
The 36-year-old actor also hinted that a return in the future isn’t off the table. “You never know who may pop back up in the Mid-Wilshire Precinct,” he added. “Until then, 7 Adam 19, this is Officer Thorsen, over and out!”
Both Hawley and Valentino’s remarks hint that Thorsen won’t be killed off-screen in Season 7. However, it remains unclear how the show will handle his character’s departure, whether through a transfer from the LAPD, an exit from law enforcement, or a different reason entirely.
Who Is Replacing Aaron Thorsen On The Rookie?
While Thorsen is definitely leaving The Rookie, Season 7 will welcome two new faces to the LAPD. Deric Augustine joins the cast as Miles, a Texas transplant and two-year police veteran who is still considered a rookie in his new role. Patrick Keleher will portray Seth, a rookie struggling to make quick, decisive choices on the job.
The logline for the Season 7 premiere episode, “The Shot,” reads: “Now recovering from a gunshot wound and feeling the effects of his age, John and the team welcome two new rookies and continue the hunt for two dangerous inmates with very personal vendettas following their prison escape.”
The Rookie Season 7 airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET. Watch the official trailer for the new season, below.
