As The Rookie prepares for season 8 without Celina Juarez, fans speculate who could fill her role. Here are 7 characters ranked by their chances of replacing her.
7 Characters Who Could Replace Celina in The Rookie Season 8
With The Rookie season 8 on the horizon, fans are preparing for major changes—one of the biggest being the absence of Officer Celina Juarez. Her dynamic partnership with John Nolan brought a fresh energy to season 6 and 7, but now that actress Lisseth Chavez is leaving the show, viewers are wondering: who will take her place?
The LAPD has no shortage of familiar faces, and a few newcomers could also be in the mix. Here are 7 characters who could realistically step in to replace Celina, ranked by how likely they are to take on the role.
7. Simone Clark
Simone Clark, played by Niecy Nash in The Rookie: Feds, is a fan-favorite, known for her bold attitude and unconventional methods. While her crossover potential is exciting, her federal status makes her an unlikely day-to-day replacement for Celina in the LAPD.
6. Tim Bradford
Though Tim Bradford is one of the show’s mainstays, his leadership role means he’s not likely to return to a rookie partnership dynamic. Still, if the writers opt for a temporary field role or flashback arc, he could fill the space.
5. Monica Stevens
As a complex former villain, Monica Stevens would be a wild card addition. While unlikely to officially join the LAPD, her return in any capacity could bring a fresh and unpredictable twist to the show’s character lineup.
4. Oscar Hutchinson
Oscar has long served as comic relief and occasional chaos agent. His presence in a more official capacity seems far-fetched, but if The Rookie takes a riskier creative direction, Oscar could add humor and surprise to Nolan’s narrative.
3. Lucy Chen
Lucy already has a deep connection with Nolan and is a respected officer in her own right. If Nolan returns to field training or takes on a mentorship role again, Lucy might be the one paired with a new trainee—or she could be the one training someone new herself.
2. Aaron Thorsen
Aaron is a strong candidate for more screen time and could easily step up in Celina’s place. His development has been steady, and his relationship with the main cast makes him a natural fit to move into a bigger role.
1. New Rookie Character
The most likely scenario is that The Rookie introduces a brand-new character. This would allow writers to explore fresh dynamics, offer Nolan a new mentee, and reinvigorate the show’s original “rookie” premise. A new face means new challenges, new humor, and possibly a deeper dive into themes the series hasn’t yet tackled.
Final Thoughts
Celina Juarez made a lasting impact on The Rookie, but her departure opens the door to exciting new character developments. Whether it’s a familiar face stepping up or a fresh recruit entering the scene, season 8 promises to deliver a new dynamic that could redefine the show’s direction.
