The start of Season 7 of The Rookie has been everything fans hoped for: high-octane action, new challenges for the Mid-Wilshire team, and the continuing evolution of beloved characters. However, one key face has been noticeably absent from the lineup: Bailey Nune, played by fan-favorite actress Jenna Dewan.
Bailey, who married John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) in a heartfelt ceremony last season, has become an integral part of Nolan’s life and the show’s supporting cast, bringing her unique blend of firefighter expertise, boundless energy, and extreme competency to every scene. Her sudden, extended absence from the early Season 7 episodes has left fans buzzing with questions.
So, where is Bailey Nune? The answer lies not in a dramatic on-screen plot twist, but in a real-life, joyful event for the actress herself. Here is the full breakdown of Jenna Dewan’s hiatus, the writers’ clever explanation for Bailey’s disappearance, and the exciting details surrounding her highly anticipated return to the LAPD family.
The Real-Life Reason for Jenna Dewan’s Absence
Jenna Dewan’s unexpected break from filming The Rookie during the production of Season 7’s early episodes is due to a very happy reason: she was on maternity leave.
In January 2024, Dewan announced that she was expecting her third child, her second with fiancé Steve Kazee. Given the demanding shooting schedule of a network procedural like The Rookie, and the necessity of filming several episodes back-to-back, the production schedule had to be adjusted to accommodate Dewan’s due date and subsequent maternity leave.
- The Timing: Production for Season 7 began earlier in the year, coinciding with the later stages of Dewan’s pregnancy and the immediate post-birth period.
- The Result: The decision was made to write Bailey Nune out of the first several episodes of the season to ensure Jenna Dewan could take the time needed to welcome her new baby and recover. This is a common practice in television production, particularly when a character’s storyline isn’t central to the main plot of a particular arc.
This real-world event provided the show’s writers with a unique challenge: how to explain the sudden, prolonged absence of a major character—especially one who is newly married to the show’s lead—in a way that feels organic and doesn’t distract from the main storylines.
The In-Show Explanation for Bailey’s Disappearance
The Rookie writers, known for their ability to smoothly blend personal lives with professional action, crafted a perfect-for-Bailey explanation for her being MIA. Her absence is directly tied to her profession as a Cal Fire Reserve Firefighter.
In the world of the show, Bailey was dispatched on a long-term, remote assignment for Cal Fire.
- The Assignment: She was called away to assist with extended wildfire deployment in a different area of California, or potentially even out of state. Given the unpredictable nature and duration of major wildfire seasons, this is a highly believable explanation for a dedicated firefighter.
- The Justification: The assignment is high-priority and necessary, making it impossible for her to return to Los Angeles, even for a brief visit. This narrative choice not only respects Bailey’s dedication to her career but also allows Nolan to remain focused on his police duties without the distraction of an easily resolved personal crisis.
While Nolan is still happily married, his scenes now focus on his work, his training of new officers, and his connection with the other members of the team. Bailey’s absence is occasionally acknowledged in quick lines of dialogue—a mention of a distant phone call or a text message—reassuring viewers that the Nolan-Nune marriage is solid, but their professional lives are keeping them apart for the time being. This method keeps the character “alive” in the narrative without requiring the actress’s physical presence.
What Bailey’s Absence Means for John Nolan
Bailey Nune has served as John Nolan’s rock, his adventure partner, and his most consistent source of stability. Her absence, while explained, has subtle narrative implications for Nolan’s Season 7 arc:
- Increased Focus on Mentorship: With his home life temporarily stable (if distant), Nolan has been able to double down on his role as a Training Officer (TO). His focus has sharpened on his mentees and navigating the political landscape of the LAPD, setting him up for further career advancement.
- A Subtle Shift in Tone: Bailey often brought a unique, lighthearted energy and a willingness to embrace the absurd. Her absence means more screentime is dedicated to the procedural aspects and the inherent drama of police work, subtly changing the balance of the show’s tone.
- Testing the Marriage: For a newly married couple, an extended separation can be a true test. The Rookie is likely setting up a situation where Nolan and Bailey must lean on their foundation of trust and open communication to weather the distance, ultimately strengthening their relationship before her return.
When Will Bailey Nune and Jenna Dewan Return?
The good news for fans is that Jenna Dewan’s hiatus is only temporary. She has already been confirmed to return to the set of The Rookie to resume filming the remaining episodes of Season 7.
- Filming Schedule: Dewan’s return to production is expected to occur after the initial run of episodes, meaning Bailey Nune will make her triumphant return sometime mid-season.
- The Storyline: When Bailey does return, fans can expect a major storyline dedicated to her re-entry into Nolan’s life. After a prolonged, difficult Cal Fire assignment, she will likely be emotionally and physically drained, forcing Nolan to step up and care for her. This inversion of their usual dynamic—where Bailey is often the caregiver—will provide rich dramatic material.
- A Wedding Afterglow: Her return will finally allow the couple and the show to fully explore the new dynamic of their marriage, including settling into their new home and tackling the joint challenges of their high-risk careers.
Jenna Dewan’s real-life maternity leave provided a rare opportunity for The Rookie to create a compelling, temporary separation. While fans miss Bailey’s presence, her absence is a testament to the show’s ability to integrate real-life events into their fictional world. When she inevitably returns, it won’t just be an appearance; it will be a reunion worth the wait, giving both the Nune-Nolan marriage and the Cal Fire storyline the emotional weight they deserve. The mid-season return promises to be one of the most heartwarming events of The Rookie‘s seventh season.
