A key member of The Rookie cast, Tru Valentino, who joined the hit show in Season 4 as a recurring character, will not be returning for the latest season. The ABC procedural drama has earned enormous praise from fans for its compelling storytelling and relevant character arcs. Valentino played the role of Officer Aaron Thorson, a famous TikTok personality who joined the LAPD after being acquitted of a high-profile murder charge.
Valentino initially joined The Rookie as a recurring character in Season 4, where his character was shown as wealthy, privileged, and out of touch. While his backstory added a unique dimension to the show, fans really connected with his journey from being a social media star to a rookie cop learning to prove himself. In Season 5, Valentino was promoted to series regular, developing a significant relationship with other characters, particularly Detective Nyla Harper, who was his mentor.
The news about his departure from The Rookie, which was first reported by TVLine, comes after Tru Valentino was notably absent from the show’s San Diego Comic-Con appearance. Fortunately, the Season 6 finale did not end on a cliffhanger for Thorson, which is a solace for fans as his arc has concluded without any loose ends.
Speaking of the Season 6 finale, The Rookie executive producer Alexi Hawley recently sat down for a conversation with TV Insider to reveal details about what fans can expect in the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the show’s momentum while also delivering episodes that are high-stakes and infused with energy.
“We know we have some big shoes to fill after Season 6. We took some big swings and I love that we keep challenging ourselves and, look, we do even better, but yet at the same time, how do we just lean more into how much everybody loves these characters?
I feel super lucky that we get to have fun every week, even if we do some stuff that’s high stakes or tragic or whatever, that tonally, because we do everything, it allows us to really give you an episode every week that just really keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
An edited image of Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Despite Valentino’s departure, The Rookie is set to introduce two new characters in Season 7, with Deric Augustine and Patrick Keleher all set to join the cast as the new rookies. Augustine, known for his roles in All American and Godfather of Harlem, will play Miles, a Texas transfer with two years of experience who is still considered a rookie at the LAPD. Keheler, on the other hand, will be making his TV debut playing Seth, a seemingly “ideal police officer” who struggles with making quick decisions and taking action in high-pressure situations. Considering their contrasting personalities, these new additions are set to bring more challenges to the Mid-Wilshire Division.
