ABC’s The Rookie has built its success on the fresh perspective of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), the oldest rookie in LAPD history, and the fellow rookies who trained alongside him. Over seven seasons, viewers have been introduced to several rookie characters — some of whom became fan favorites, and others who stirred controversy.
Now that the show has matured, a question often pops up among longtime fans: Was there a rookie character you were actually relieved to see leave the series?
The Importance of Rookies in the Story
The title of the show isn’t just about John Nolan — it’s about what being a “rookie” represents: learning, mistakes, growth, and the challenges of proving oneself in law enforcement. Each new recruit has brought a different perspective, personality, and set of flaws to the LAPD.
But not every rookie was destined to stick around for the long haul. Some characters were written out early, while others simply didn’t click with the audience.
Rookies Who Stayed — and Thrived
- Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil): Perhaps the most popular rookie aside from Nolan himself, Lucy grew from a wide-eyed trainee to a confident officer. Her chemistry with Tim Bradford fueled one of the show’s most beloved storylines: “Chenford.”
- Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.): Intelligent, compassionate, and deeply moral, Jackson was a standout rookie whose sudden exit in Season 4 left fans heartbroken. His absence is still felt in the ensemble today.
Both characters represented what fans loved about the show: rookies struggling under pressure but growing into capable officers.
Rookies Who Divided Audiences
Not every rookie resonated as strongly. Some characters received criticism for their limited development, frustrating decision-making, or lack of chemistry with the main cast.
For instance, a few secondary rookies introduced in later seasons were perceived as taking screen time away from fan-favorite characters. On forums and social media, viewers occasionally admitted they were “relieved” when certain rookies quietly disappeared from the lineup.
Why Some Exits Made Sense
Television dramas often test new characters to see how audiences respond. In the case of The Rookie, removing less popular rookies allowed the writers to tighten focus on the core group: Nolan, Lucy, Bradford, Lopez, and Harper.
This streamlined approach gave more room for character-driven arcs, such as Lucy’s growth, Bradford’s mentorship, and Nolan’s evolution from rookie to leader. In that sense, the departure of certain rookies actually helped the show stay sharp and avoid overcrowding.
Fan Reactions
Fan responses to rookie exits have been mixed:
- On Reddit, one viewer admitted: “I liked the concept of multiple rookies, but some were just bland. I wasn’t sad to see them go.”
- On Twitter (X), another fan wrote: “Not every rookie can stay forever. I’d rather the show focus on Chen, Nolan, and Bradford anyway.”
Others, however, argue that losing rookies reduces the “training ground” feel of the series and shifts it closer to a standard police procedural.
Final Thoughts
The question of whether fans were glad to see certain rookies leave highlights just how carefully balanced The Rookie has become. While some characters didn’t resonate and were quietly phased out, others became central to the show’s identity.
In the end, the departures may have been a blessing in disguise. By trimming weaker characters, The Rookie strengthened its ensemble and gave its standout rookies — especially Lucy Chen and John Nolan — more space to shine.
And while not every rookie was meant to stay, each one helped define the show’s central theme: that being a rookie isn’t just about wearing a badge — it’s about the journey of learning, stumbling, and becoming something greater.
