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Because The Rookie has been on for seven seasons now, there have been many characters that have come and gone over the years. Some characters have faced tragic exits, like Captain Zoe Andersen (Mercedes Mason) in Season 1 and Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.) in Season 4. These heroic cops were killed in the line of duty, but their deaths served a purpose in furthering the character development of the Mid-Wilshire police officers. There have also been plenty of characters who haven't been killed off, and who are free to pop up again in future episodes, such as John Nolan's (Nathan Fillion) slacker brother, Pete (Pete Davidson), or the hilariously odd Skip Tracer Randy (Flula Borg). If the series has been able to successfully include some past characters, that begs the question of why The Rookie is fumbling the chance to bring back one fan-favorite character.

Quick LinksWhere and When to Watch The Rookie Season 7, Episode 9, 'The Kiss'What to Expect From the Second Half of The Rookie Season 7

The following will contain spoilers for The Rookie, Season 7, Episode 8, "Wildfire," now streaming on Hulu.

The Rookie originally began with Nathan Fillion's John Nolan being the oldest rookie officer in the history of the LAPD. Since Season 5, The Rookie shifted that premise, making Nolan a training officer. However, he currently doesn't have his own trainee to guide, but there are still two new rookie officers with Deric Augustine's Miles Penn, a former police officer from Texas, and Seth Ridley, a nervous kid who makes terrible decisions.

Returning on March 11th after a week hiatus, The Rookie Season 7, Episode 9, "The Kiss" will pick up from the previous episode's cliffhanger ending where one of the regular characters' lives hangs in the balance. It promises to be a deeply emotional episode.

The Rookie took over ABC screens in 2018 and brought the police drama to a whole new level. Fans quickly got hooked on its amazing storylines and well-built characters. While Nathan Fillion was leading the way as John Nolan, other characters were also not far behind, especially Alyssa Diaz as the strong-willed detective Angela Lopez.

Nathan Fillion as John Nolan in The Rookie | Credits: ABC

The audience absolutely adored her role. But when it comes to being a fan favorite Titus Makin Jr. also showcased his versatility through his role as Jackson West. While he was among the most popular characters on the show, due to a specific reason, he almost quit before Season 3.

Why did Titus Makin Jr. wanted to quit The Rookie before season 3?

Before stepping into The Rookie universe, Titus Makin Jr. already had some acting experience, having worked on projects such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars,...

Every great cop show needs that one villain who makes your blood boil, and The Rookie delivered big time with its most despicable bad guy. This wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill criminal; he was a racist, power-hungry nightmare who made life miserable for our favorite officers.

A still from The Rookie | Credits: Lionsgate Television

But here’s the kicker: the actor behind this perfectly played a-hole is actually a DC star. Watching him ooze arrogance and menace on The Rookie made it impossible to look away, even while hating his guts.

How Brandon Routh nailed The Rookie’s most hated villain to perfection Brandon Routh as Superman in Superman Returns | Credits: DC Studios

The Rookie didn’t need a masked supervillain — Brandon Routh’s Officer Doug Stanton was terrifying enough. Known for playing the charming Ray Palmer in the Arrowverse, Routh flipped the script in The Rookie Season 3, becoming the show’s most unsettling antagonist.

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for The Rookie Season 7, Episode 6.ABC's The Rookie has always benefited from bringing in new characters over the past seven seasons. Now that the original rookies have become established officers, the Los Angeles Police Department Mid-Wilshire Division has needed new blood. Not all rookies have survived their training — Rip Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.) — and others have simply transferred away from the precinct. Fans were disappointed to learn that Aaron Thorsen (Tru Valentino) would be departing The Rookie ahead of Season 7. But even if these exits are disappointing, they also mean that there's an opportunity for new characters to come onto the scene and to flourish. While two new rookies have entered the department this season, only one of them deserves to be a permanent member of the Mid-Wilshire family.

The following contains spoilers from The RookieSeason 7, Episode 6, "The Gala" that aired on ABC and streams on Hulu.

While The Rookie is a police procedural, the show arguably works best as a "soap opera." With "The Gala," the series spends more time on the relationships in the show than any police work. Even the cases the characters solve are related to love and have, somewhat, happy endings for their "very special" Valentine's Day episode.

In Season 7 The Rookie returns to its roots, focused primarily on street-level cases and the training of new officers. However, there has also been a significant evolution in the characters' relationships, which "The Gala" addresses. For example, in the season premiere Wesley Evers grows jealous of his wife Angela Lopez's work associate because he has a crush on her. This storyline is put to bed in this episode. Lopez calls Detective Graham her "work husband...

The following contains light spoilers for The Rookie Season 7, airing on ABC on Tuesdays and streaming on Hulu the next day.

When The Rookiefirst debuted in 2018, Nathan Fillion's John Nolan was the titular training officer in the LAPD. However, he wasn't the only "boot" on the show. Characters played by Melissa O'Neil and Titus Makin Jr. rounded out the cast. While Lucy Chen remains a fixture on the series, the unceremonious killing of Officer Jackson West is The Rookie's biggest mistake, and the show hasn't fully recovered from it.

When the series began, Nolan was the oldest rookie in the department's history, while Lucy and Jackson were more age-appropriate recruits. They were also his closest confidantes. Jackson eventually moved in with Lucy, and the two developed one of the series' best friendships. The loss of the character was devastating to fans, both for the way it happened and...

The Rookiestar Eric Winter breaks down the gritty details surrounding a fan-favorite couple's heartbreaking split.

Speaking to TV Insider, Winter discussed the season defining breakup between his character, Sergeant Tim Bradford, and Melissa O'Neil's Officer Lucy Chen. "They never broke up because they stopped loving each other. They broke up because Tim didn’t feel he was good enough for her," Winter explained. "And I think that’s what the fans have to understand."

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"As a little time has passed, the wound is still there, but it’s healing. There’s a scab for Lucy. She’s trying to make amends with the situation the best she can," Winter added. "Tim and Lucy find...

Quick Links Nolan Is Struggling to Handle the Threat to Bailey Posed by Jason Wyler A Multi-Car Pileup Leads to a Massive Serial Killer Mystery Lucy Chen Has Suspicions About Her New Rookie's Behavior The Rookie's Examination of Morality in 'Darkness Falling' Gets Muddled by a Bad Trope

The following contains spoilers for The Rookie, Season 7, Episode 4, "Darkness Falling," now streaming on Hulu.

Even in Season 7, The Rookie is a series still trying to find a balance between its unique premise and what viewers expect from police procedurals. After two consecutive episodes focused on street-level stories about cops on patrol, "Darkness Falling" starts a multi-part story with a high body count. On a more subtle level, the episode examines morality, guilt and the rights of the accused, with little new to say on the matter.

When the series began, episodes followed rookie officers John Nolan, Lucy Chen and Jackson West...

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 2, "The Watcher."

Sadly, The Rookie fans had to say goodbye to Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen during the season 7 premiere, and while his exit is disappointing, the show is redeeming itself via two new characters. ABC's police procedural series, created by Alexi Hawley, follows the personal and work lives of the law enforcement officers from the Mid-Wilshire Patrol Divison of the LAPD, which used to include Aaron. Valentino's Aaron joined the cast of The Rookie after Titus Makin Jr.'s Jackson West left in season 4. Just a few seasons later, though, Valentino also departed the show.

New episodes of The Rookie air on Tuesdays at 10 pm Et on ABC. Season 7 features 18 episodes — eight more than the previous season.

Valentino left The Rookie in season 7 due to creative decisions made by the writers. Based on reports, the actor didn't...

Titus Makin Jr's Jackson West disappeared from The Rookie after Season 3, never to be seen again in the ABC series.

The cast of The Rookie during Season 7 looks rather different from what it did when the series began in 2019, with Titus Makin Jr.'s Jackson West being a notable absentee as one of the series' three original new recruits.

Titus Makin Jr. Almost Left The Rookie Much Earlier Read full article on The Direct.

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 2, "The Watcher."

Following The Rookie season 7 premiere, the characters jump back into action in episode 2, "The Watcher." The hour reveals more intriguing background information concerning the two new rookies (Miles Penn and Seth Ridley), features the team working on a new case, and includes Celina Juarez coming closer to the end of her training. What the second episode of The Rookie season 7 doesn't do is circle back to Jason Wyler and Oscar Hutchinson's prison escape. Or Monica Stevens' evading capture for that matter. However, it returns the ABC police procedural series to its episodic format.

The Rookie season 7 (which contains 18 episodes) airs on Tuesdays at 10 pm Et on ABC.

When The Rookie season 7, episode 2 begins, Celina and John Nolan are chasing after a suspect. However, the job is rather easy, thanks to a vigilante. Meanwhile, Tim Bradford...

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 1, "The Shot."

Months after The Rookie season 6's ending, it was announced that Tru Valentino, who had played Aaron Thorsen in the show for three years, would exit before the season 7 premiere. The news of his departure was shocking, to say the least. Nothing in The Rookie season 6 finale suggested that Aaron would leave the ABC procedural drama series. However, that was the reality, and many became curious about how Aaron would be written out of the show. Unfortunately, his exit was ultimately very disappointing and underwhelming.

ABC drops new episodes of The Rookie season 7 on Tuesdays at 10 pm Et.

Valentino made his first appearance as Aaron, a rookie, in the second episode of season 4. His character served as Jackson West's replacement after Titus Makin Jr. left The Rookie during the premiere, and he was just what...

In its seven seasons on the air, The Rookie has featured several shocking character exits. These departures have included the deaths of some beloved heroes on the show, such as Captain Zoe Andersen (Mercedes Mason) in Season 1 and Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.) in Season 4, who were both killed in the line of duty. There have also been plenty of villains to kick the bucket, including Nick Armstrong (Harold Perrineau) in Season 3 and Rosalind Dyer (Annie Wersching) in Season 5. So, it shouldn't have come as a huge surprise when another series regular announced they'd be leaving the show before the Season 7 premiere. But would Aaron Thorsen (Tru Valentino) meet a gruesome end like these other unfortunate characters?...

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 1, "The Shot."

The Rookie lost another officer in season 7 — Aaron Thorsen, played by Tru Valentino. Aaron entered the story at the beginning of season 4 as the ABC police procedural TV show's latest rookie, and his training officer was Nyla Harper. When Harper went on maternity leave in season 5, John Nolan took over as Aaron's To before he was ultimately promoted. For two seasons of The Rookie, Aaron worked as a P2 (Police Officer II). However, he also expressed interest in becoming a detective. Unfortunately, Aaron never got a chance to achieve his dream onscreen in The Rookie.

Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen was introduced in The Rookie season 4 to replace Jackson West following his tragic death.

Valentino's character was unlike the rookies who came before him as his background story was quite unique. Aaron's family was rich, and he grew up very privileged,...

The Rookie returned for Season 7 on ABC, and it's missing one familiar face: Tru Valentino's Aaran Thorsen.

After the death of Officer Jackson West, Aaron Thorsen joined The Rookie in Season 5 as a wealthy, famous TikToker-turned-cop, who was once accused of killing his childhood best friend but ultimately cleared his name.

Did Aaron Leave The Rookie in Season 7?  Read full article on The Direct.

What happened to Aaron Thorsen on The Rookie? That’s what The Rookie fans are asking as Season 7 premieres without him.

Aaron (Tru Valentino) debuted in Season 4 of The Rookie as the new rookie at Mid-Wilshire.

The character was added after the death of rookie Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.) – and it hit the Mid-Wilshire team hard.

Three seasons later, Aaron has exited the team in a very lackluster manner compared to Jackson.

It’s not uncommon for shows like The Rookie to suffer cast changes after several seasons.

Sometimes, the change happens at the actor or actress’ request, and other times, it’s simply for creative reasons.

Let’s look at which one it was for the character of Aaron Thorsen.

Why did Aaron Thorsen leave The Rookie?

When Season 7 of The Rookie premieres, Aaron will have moved on to a different station amid the fallout from the Blair London (Danielle Campbell) drama.

The Rookie is finally making its way back to the small screen, though fans will be missing one familar face in Season 7. Ahead of the new season's arrival, it was revealed that Tru Valentino had exited the show from his role as Officer Aaron Thorsen after serving as one of the main stars since Season 4.

Per Screen Rant, series showrunner Alexi Hawley shared an update on the potential return of Valentino at some point in the future. Hawley confirmed that Valentino's dismissal was due to creative reasons, though it wasn't stated exactly what the problem with his presence was causing. In any case, the door is staying open for a return in some capacity to happen later on, as Officer Thorsen is "very much alive" in the world of The Rookie — even if he's off-screen.

Related The Rookie Showrunner Teases What's Next for Chenford in Season 7

The Rookie showrunner Alexi...

The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley explains exactly where the series' seventh season picks up.

Speaking to TVLine, Hawley was asked about the time-jump that is about to take place with the release of Season 7 of The Rookie. "It’s been a few weeks," Hawley responded, "time enough for Nolan to heal up [from being shot in the butt] – though whether he’s healed up enough or not is a bit of a debate in Episode 1. He’s trying to get back on that horse more quickly than he should."

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Regarding the state in which audiences will find star Nathan Fillion's Officer John Nolan, Hawley explained, "He’s feeling very pressured, because [Bailey’s escaped convict ex-husband] Jason is out there,...

For five seasons, The Rookie fans watched Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen fall in love. However, much to their disappointment, Tim broke up with Lucy in Season 6. Ahead of The Rookie's Season 7 premiere,showrunner Alexi Hawley has teased what's next for the fan-favorite "Chenford" couple.

Speaking with TVLine, Hawley addressed whether Tim still has work to do on himself following the Season 6 finale's elevator scene. "He does, he does. We’ll definitely see a bit of that this season. At some point we have a scene where he’s at a veterans support group, so he’s still trying to do the work on himself. And look, the good news is that he understands what he did wrong," the showrunner explained. "But in terms of the why, that is still something he’s trying to figure out, and sort of punishing himself for his own failures. The worst thing...

One series regular is sadly leaving The Rookie in season 7, but the show can make up for their absence by bringing back some characters who haven't been seen in a while. A handful of the ABC police procedural's cast members have come and gone over the years, starting with Mercedes Mason as Zoe Andersen in the middle of The Rookie season 1. Perhaps the biggest actor departure, though, was Titus Makin Jr. as Jackson West in the season 4 premiere. Unfortunately, one more series regular will join the likes of Mason and Makin Jr. in The Rookie season 7.

The Rookie returns with season 7 on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 pm Et on ABC. Season 7 will consist of 18 episodes as the show is reverting to its normal episode count after the strike-affected shortened sixth season.

Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen will exit The Rookie ahead of season 7, meaning the season 6 finale is his final appearance.

As promotional material for The Rookie started coming out in the weeks leading up to the series' Season 4 premiere, fans noticed something was wrong. Without an explanation, Officer Jackson West, played by actor and musician Titus Makin Jr., was mysteriously missing. Fans were naturally concerned. Many hypothesized in the off-season that Jackson would be killed off in the premiere, and sure enough, they were right. But why did Titus Makin Jr. leave The Rookie in the first place?

Jackson was unceremoniously shot in the back in the Season 4 premiere, "Life and Death," without even seeing his face. There was much speculation about Jackson's fate following the Season 3 finale, but the fact that Makin Jr. chose to leave shocked fans, even though it shouldn't have come as a surprise. The actor was open about debating returning for Season 3, but he still returned for the third season after having a heart-to-heart conversation with showrunner Alexi Hawley.

One reason The Rookie has continued to be popular for (soon-to-be) seven seasons is because the series is a unique approach to a police procedural. The focus is, mostly, on the street-level policing experience, and the cast is populated with likable characters. The beat cops in the show end up in more gunfights in a single episode than many officers have in an entire career. Yet, this is a television show meant to be thrilling and cinematic.

Rather than looking at The Rookie as a slice-of-life police show, it's almost better to view the series as one does superhero shows. The cops in the Mid-Wilshire Precinct have their hearts in the right place, but sometimes circumstances or human error means the wrong thing happens. This kind of drama is what makes a show like The Rookie special. It's characters have flaws just like everyone else. While making television on a network schedule is hard,...

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Angela Lopez has a pregnancy storyline in The Rookie that hits very close to home for the actor, Alyssa Diaz. Over six seasons and counting on The Rookie, the other officers in the LAPD have worked tirelessly to keep the city safe from crime all while teaching the oldest rookie, John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), the finer points of police work. The lives of the officers outside their daily jobs are also of interest, and the cast of The Rookie features an ensemble of multi-layered characters who each go through unique arcs.

LAPD detective Angela Lopez is the co-lead of The Rookie alongside John, and she's the new recruit's training officer in the early seasons of the show. Angela has one of the best character arcs in The Rookie and her journey from police officer to detective is exciting and relatable to anyone...

Starring Nathan Fillion, The Rookie adds a different flavor to the police procedural genre. The Rookie premiered in 2018 on ABC and, since then, has become a fan-favorite procedural by focusing on the street-level beat cop experience. Since then, the narrative focus has widened to include undercover operations, detectives closing cases and full-on special weapons and tactical assaults. Yet, while the action is always a draw for audiences, the best episodes of The Rookie are the ones that focus on characters and consequences.

Tastes are subjective, and each episode of The Rookie is someone's favorite one of all time. The episodes feature compelling villains with connections to the central cast of The Rookie, and how they are tested by them. Seasons 1 and 2 are heavily featured, thanks in part to the serialized nature of some of the series' stories. Yet, episodes from the two most recent seasons make the cut, proving even...

Sadly, a veteran cast member of The Rookie will soon be leaving the show. Word has surfaced that actor Tru Valentino, who portrays Officer Aaron Thorsen, will not be back as a series regular for Season 7. The actor recently confirmed his exit on social media. Valentino's exit is unfortunate because Thorsen became a mainstay member of the cast after joining the series in its fourth season as a new rookie officer at the Los Angeles Police Department's Mid-Wilshire Division. Valentino provided great energy and presence throughout his time as Officer Thorsen in the series. It's not yet clear how Valentino's exit will play out, but the writers mustn't make the same mistake as Jackson West's (Titus Makin Jr.) exit, earlier in Season 4. Although some understandable extenuating circumstances prompted the disappointing exit of Officer West, Valentino's Officer Thorsen deserves a proper sendoff.

Tru Valentino's exit from The Rookie may not be permanent. Valentino hinted at possibly returning to the show in the future. Consequently, Aaron Thorsen is unlikely to die in season 7.

The bad news is that Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen is exiting The Rookie ahead of season 7; the good news is that I'm optimistic his absence might not be permanent. Alexi Hawley's ABC police procedural series is no stranger to cast exits. A handful of actors and actresses have come and gone over the course of The Rookie's six seasons, from Titus Makin Jr (who played Jackson West) to Afton Williamson (who portrayed Talia Bishop). Some of the characters quit their jobs, while others died. Thankfully, it seems like Thorsen's fate might be closer to the former than the latter.

ABC has delayed The Rookie season 7 premiere to early 2025.

Valentino's character was introduced in The Rookie season 4, serving...

Tru Valentino's exit from The Rookie is disappointing after three seasons. Aaron brought a unique element to the show with his personality and storylines. New cast members Deric Augustine and Patrick Kelehe joining may soften Valentino's departure.

The cast of The Rookie is changing once again as the show heads into its seventh season, and while it will be difficult to say goodbye to Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen, one tidbit about the upcoming episodes eases the frustration. Valentino is exiting The Rookie ahead of season 7, meaning the season 6 finale was his last episode. According to TV Insider, the actor addressed his departure on his Instagram Stories. Valentino said, "I will always cherish my time on The Rookie but couldn't be more excited for what the future has in store."

Tru Valentino left the door open for him to reprise his role as Aaron in future episodes of The Rookie by writing,...

Actor Tru Valentino has commented on his surprise exit from The Rookie. His response comes one day after it was reported that Valentino would not be returning as a series regular for Season 7.

In the series, Valentino has been playing the role of Aaron Thorsen. He joined the series in Season 4 as a recurring character, ane Valentino was promoted the following season, serving as a series regular for Seasons 5 and 6. The day after the news broke, Valentino shared a message posted to his Instagram Stories. It did not include a specific reason for why he was leaving the show, but instead expressed how grateful he is to have had the experience of being a part of it. The actor also hinted that he might "pop back up" in the future, hinting at guest appearances.

Related Why The Rookie Killed Off Jackson West and Why the Episode Was So Strange

Officer...

Tru Valentino won't return for The Rookie season 7. Added cast members Deric Augustine and Patrick Keleher will join the upcoming season. The Rookie season 7 does not currently have a release date.

The Rookie season 7 is losing a main cast member, as the long-running police procedural welcomes new actors. With a story that begins by following John Nolan (Firefly and Castle's Nathan Fillion) as he becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department, The Rookie's supporting cast has been largely stable, including Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa ONeil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, and Shawn Ashmore. But since its October 2018 debut, the show has experienced some changes.

The Rookie season 7 will include another shift, with TVLine confirming that actor Tru Valentino will not be reprising the role of Aaron Thorsen. Valentino joined the show in season 4 in a recurring capacity, before being upgraded to regular...

The Rookie has lost one of its main stars ahead of the show's return in Season 7. It's been revealed that Tru Valentino will not return as Aaron Thorsen when The Rookie returns in 2025.

Per TVLine, Valentino is officially out at The Rookie, leaving his role as a series regular effective immediately. The actor debuted in a recurring capacity in Season 4 before he was promoted to series regular starting with Season 5. He remained in that role through Season 6, which concluded in May. Some fans might have seen the writing on the wall with the actor's exit as he was not in attendance during the show's presence at San Diego Comic-Con. No reason has yet been given for why Valentino is not coming back.

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Related Why Afton Williamson's Talia Bishop Left The Rookie

The Rookie's Afton Williamson played Talia Bishop in Season 1. Here's who Bishop was and why Williamson left...

The Rookie will be down an officer when it reports back for duty in 2025.

TVLine has confirmed that Tru Valentino, who joined the light ABC procedural as recurring in Season 4 and got promoted in Season 5, will not be back as a series regular for Season 7.

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Valentino played Aaron Thorsen, a TikTok-famous personality who, after being acquitted of a headlines-making murder charge,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Jackson West tragically dies in The Rookie season 4 after being shot by kidnappers. Titus Makin Jr. left the show because he did not want to return, citing real-life tragedies. Since leaving The Rookie, Makin Jr. has focused on other acting roles and his music career.

Titus Makin Jr.'s The Rookie character, Jackson West, abruptly departed the series towards the end of season 3, but there are behind-the-scenes reasons for why Jackson left. Assigned to the Mid-Wilshire Division, Jackson West was among the main police officers in The Rookie throughout the first three seasons. However, in the closing moments of The Rookie season 3, he and Lopez got kidnapped by Sandra de la Cruz's men during Angela and Wesley's wedding. While this alone did not confirm that Jackson left The Rookie, audiences started speculating about his departure after Makin didn't appear in season 4's promotional material.

Quick Links The Rookie Season 7 Will Address the Cliffhanger from the Finale Season 7 Will Devote Time to Characters The Rookie Slightly Ignored Chenford Drama Is a Top Priority for The Rookie Season 7 New Rookies Join the Mid-Wilshire Police Precinct In Season 7

After a shortened season, The Rookie will be back in the first quarter of 2025, debuting with 18 episodes. Unlike its predecessor, the seventh season of the police series starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan will air without multi-week breaks interrupting the story. While still technically shorter than past installments, The Rookie Season 7 will be a return to form for the Mid-Wilshire Police Precinct. However, that doesn't mean there won't be new faces.

The Rookie's Season 6 finale was over-the-top, even for a series that had an episode where Los Angeles faced an imminent nuclear attack. Nolan and Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) go to Argentina to chase down Monica Stevens...

The Rookie has had its fair share of heartbreaking moments, from character deaths to emotional performances by the actors. Tim Bradford's encounter with his wife (who is struggling with addiction) and the heartbreaking expression on his face is a standout moment. Lucy Chen's family failing to support her and her emotional graduation dinner where her mom tries to persuade her to quit are both devastating moments.

From John Nolan's personal struggles and Lucy's tragic moments to waiting to see if Wesley dies in The Rookie, the popular police procedure has had some extremely sad moments during its run. These moments often hit fans from out of nowhere because The Rookie is known for including a fair amount of humor to combat the serious nature of the police job. As a result, when tragedy arrives, it often cuts deep. The Rookie even gave a touching onscreen tribute after...

The lead on The Rookie is Nathan Fillion's John Nolan, but the show has truly become an ensemble series over the past six seasons. One of the most beloved characters is Melissa O'Neil's Lucy Chen, a rookie with Nolan who has become an accomplished officers, even working undercover. The best episodes of The Rookie with Lucy Chen are representative of all the different kinds of storytelling the show can pull off. Initially, Lucy Chen was romantically involved with John Nolan, but they broke it off (mostly) before the fifth episode.

Despite being one half of the fan favorite "Chenford" ship (the other half being Eric Winter's Tim Bradford), Lucy isn't just a romantic interest. She is a capable officer and survivor who, despite all she has endured, remains one of The Rookie's most compassionate characters. More often than not, Lucy has empathy for the suspects she encounters,...

Brandon Routh's racist cop Doug Stanton in The Rookie is a detestable person who has simmering tension with another character. Stanton's cruel and cowardly behavior contrasts with the protagonist, showcasing a weak bully who relies on others to do his work. While Stanton faces consequences in the show, the real-world parallel of a slap on the wrist and a transfer is unsettling.

Brandon Routh appears in The Rookie as a character I truly despise and, frankly, I don't think the show went far enough with his punishment. The Rookie, the hit ABC police procedural series, stars John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), who joins the LAPD as the oldest rookie on the force at age 45. Also starring Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O'Neil, and Eric Winter, The Rookie has had plenty of guest stars and seasonal introductions to keep the series fresh.

Brandon Routh made his debut in The Rookie...

With the hit ABC police procedural The Rookie closing its sixth season, it feels like a good time to go back and revisit the shows debut season. Since the shows start just over five years ago, the series has undergone quite a few changes in its makeup and cast, including the Mid-Wilshire Districts original captain from the first season, Captain Zoe Andersen (Mercedes Mason). Through the course of the shows five seasons, there have been some impactful moments and unforgettable deaths, such as the death of original cast member Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.), who is shockingly killed in the opening moments of Season 4. However, the death of Captain Andersen in the shows inaugural season remains the most unforgettable and impactful moment in the shows history.

The Rookie fans, we’ve got a fresh off the press preview for the new Season 6 Episode 10 episode titled Escape Plan!

Find out everything you need to know about the Escape Plan episode of The Rookie, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!

The Rookie Escape Plan Season 6 Episode 10 Preview

In the upcoming episode of “The Rookie” titled “Escape Plan,” viewers are in for a thrilling ride as Sgt. Grey takes charge to help the team gear up for their most crucial mission to date. As tensions rise and stakes get higher, the team must rely on their training, instincts, and each other to navigate through the challenges that lie ahead.

The episode promises an intriguing twist as Aaron, Lopez, Celina, Tim, and Smitty stumble upon an unexpected connection in the case they are working on. This revelation not only adds complexity to the...

Get ready for an exhilarating episode of “The Rookie” as Season 6 Episode 10, titled “Escape Plan,” airs on ABC at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. In this action-packed installment, viewers will be on the edge of their seats as Sgt. Grey takes the lead in preparing the team for their most significant mission yet.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will witness Sgt. Grey’s unwavering determination as he guides the team through intense training and preparation for the high-stakes operation ahead. With the pressure mounting and the stakes higher than ever, the team must rely on their training, skills, and camaraderie to succeed in their mission.

Meanwhile, Aaron, Lopez, Celina, Tim, and Smitty find themselves drawn into a complex case that takes an unexpected turn when they uncover a surprising connection. As they race against the clock to unravel the truth, they must navigate through twists and turns that challenge their abilities and test their resolve.

Get ready for an intense episode of “The Rookie” as Season 6 Episode 8, titled “Punch Card,” hits the screens! Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, exclusively on ABC for a gripping night of action-packed drama.

In this episode, the team faces a daunting challenge after a mafia-related mass casualty incident rocks the city. Tasked with keeping the peace at the hospital, tensions run high as they navigate the aftermath of the attack.

Meanwhile, Lucy and Celina join forces to unravel the mystery behind the suspects responsible for the devastating assault. As they dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover shocking truths that threaten to shake the foundations of their beliefs.

As if that weren’t enough, Tim and Aaron find themselves embarking on a high-stakes metro ops mission, adding another layer of tension and excitement to the episode.

Don’t miss “Punch Card” airing at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday,...

Quick Links Who Is Aaron Thorsen on The Rookie? Austin Walker's Role in 'Training Day,' Explained Stacy Walker Had Her Husband Austin Killed Why the Murder of Austin Walker Was Important to The Rookie

The following contains spoilers from The Rookie, Season 6, Episode 4, "Training Day" now streaming on Hulu.

In The Rookie Season 6, Austin Walker is an important figure, even though he doesn't actually appear in an episode. What makes him important is what he represents to Tru Valentino's Aaron Thorsen, who is finally returning to work after being shot. Investigating Austin Walker, a prisoner serving time, was a crucial step to setting Thorsen back on track to become a good cop, even though he fails to save his life. The Rookie's Season 5 finale almost killed Thorsen. He was almost fatally shot, and then he nearly died in the hospital after surgery.

In Season 6, Thorsen has been in therapy,...

Quick Links Tamara Colins Is Lucy Chen's First 'Rookie Puppy' Tamara Was One of Many Characters Meant to Shift The Rookie's Focus Why Lucy Decided to Help Tamara and Not as a Police Officer Why The Rookie Made Tamara Colins a Recurring Character

Despite the title referring specifically to Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) at first, The Rookie has always been an ensemble series. Considering it's set in a Los Angeles Police Department precinct, it also makes sense that the ensemble was almost primarily cops. The episode when Nolan's fellow rookie Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neill) first meets Tamara Colins (Dylan Conrique) is about expanding the cast to other people who live and work in the community. The first two seasons of The Rookie heavily focused on the beat cop experience, though with far more thrilling and deadly adventures than wha is representative of real life. The show established its...

Quick Links Who Was Chris Rios in The Rookie? How Officer Chris Rios Died in the Line of Duty on The Rookie The Shooting of Chris Rios Uncovered The Rookie's First Dirty Cops How the Death of Officer Rios Changed The Rookie for the Better

When The Rookie premiered in 2018, the titular character was Nathan Fillion's John Nolan, who was at least two decades older than his fellow first-time officers. However, the series quickly became about their training officers, friends, family and Nolan's cadre of fellow rookies. One such rookie was Chris Rios, who was introduced at the end of Season 2. Christopher O'Shea played Rios in two episodes of The Rookie Season 2, "The Q Word" and "The Hunt," the finale that year.

While his appearances were limited, the impact of the character was sizeable. Like most police procedurals on television, The Rookie often overstates the danger and risk faced...

The Rookie fans, we’ve got a fresh off the press preview for the new Season 6 Episode 3 episode titled Trouble in Paradise!

Find out everything you need to know about the Trouble in Paradise episode of The Rookie, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!

The Rookie Trouble in Paradise Season 6 Episode 3 Preview

Get ready for an intense new episode of “The Rookie” titled “Trouble in Paradise,” airing on ABC at 9:00 Pm on March 5, 2024. In this gripping installment, Nolan and Bailey’s honeymoon takes a dark turn when their romantic getaway transforms into an unexpected crime scene. As they navigate the chaos, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous situation that puts their relationship to the test.

Meanwhile, Tim and Celina team up to tackle a challenging case involving the mysterious identity of a John Doe. As they dig deeper into the investigation,...

Get ready for another intense episode of “The Rookie” as Season 6 continues to deliver thrilling drama. Airing on ABC at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Episode 3, titled “Trouble in Paradise,” promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In this installment, Nolan and Bailey’s honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when it transforms into an active crime scene. What was supposed to be a romantic getaway quickly becomes a nightmare as they find themselves caught up in the middle of a dangerous situation.

Meanwhile, Tim and Celina team up to unravel the mystery surrounding a John Doe, leading them down a path filled with twists and turns. As they dig deeper, they uncover shocking secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew.

With adrenaline-pumping action and gripping storytelling, “The Rookie” continues to captivate audiences with its compelling characters and thrilling plotlines. Don’t miss “Trouble in Paradise” as it unfolds on ABC,...

Quick Links John Nolan's Late Start as a Rookie Lead to a Stellar Career Lucy Chen's Empathy Makes Her a Better Undercover Cop Tim Bradford's Tough Demeanor Is Mostly for Show Family Comes First for Angela Lopez Wade Grey Ensures Mid-Wilshire's Success Jackson West Is a Beloved Character Nyla Harper Is One of The Rookie's Best Characters Aaron Thorsen Brings a Valuable Perspective to Mid-Wilshire Celina Juarez Changes Nolan and Their Colleagues Rosalind Dyer Was The Rookie's Strongest Villain

The Rookie is an ABC procedural that is about to kick off its 6th season. Starring Nathan Fillion, The Rookie is the story of John Nolan, a former contractor who decided to pursue a job in the police department after being involved in a bank robbery in his hometown. Originally from Pennsylvania, Nolan relocated to Los Angeles to go through the police academy and then join the LAPD.

The Rookie season 6 returns in 2024, and fans eagerly anticipate the next set of episodes after a cliffhanger finale. The cast of season 6 is expected to include all the familiar faces, with Lisseth Chavez promoted to a series regular. We hope to see Aaron survive his gunshot wound, the new villain's storyline to be satisfying, and exciting developments in Tim and Lucy's relationship.

After almost ten months of being off the air, The Rookie is returning for its sixth season in early 2024, and following the explosive season 5 finale, the next set of episodes is highly anticipated. The ABC police procedural series left viewers hanging after the previous finale, with lives dangling in the balance and a suspicious new villain entering the story in the episode's final moments. Not much is known about the upcoming season's plot, but given how the last one ended, it's easy to put together a wishlist of...

While waiting for the eventual sixth season of the hit ABC police procedural, The Rookie, it feels like a good time to go back and revisit the show’s debut season. Since the show’s debut just over five years ago, the series has undergone quite a few changes in its makeup and cast, including the Mid-Wilshire District’s original captain from the first season, Captain Zoe Anderson (Mercedes Mason). Through the course of the show’s five seasons, there have been some impactful moments and some unforgettable deaths, such as the death of original cast member Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.), who is shockingly killed in the opening moments of Season 4. However, the death of Captain Andersen in the show’s inaugural season remains the most unforgettable and impactful moment in the show’s history.

The Rookie: Feds, a spinoff of The Rookie, has yet to be renewed for a second season due to writers and actors strikes in 2023. Several significant actors from The Rookie have made cameos in The Rookie: Feds, including Nathan Fillion, Melissa O'Neil, Eric Winter, Richard T. Jones, Alyssa Diaz, Shawn Ashmore, and Brent Huff. Gigi Zumbado's character, Abril Rodas, was introduced in The Rookie but met her end in The Rookie: Feds, providing closure to her story.

Following the success of The Rookie, ABC ordered a spinoff of the police procedural television series in 2022 centered around a middle-aged first-year FBI special agent — Simone Clark, played by Niecy Nash-Betts. As of the writing of this article, only one season of The Rookie: Feds has aired, and the network has yet to renew it for a second season, given the writers and actors strikes in 2023. However, across the spinoff's first 22 episodes,...