The latest episode of The Rookie shocked fans and sparked questions about Lucy Chen’s future. Melissa O’Neil’s character finally earned her long-awaited promotion to sergeant but was immediately assigned to the night shift. This sudden shift has viewers wondering: Is Lucy being phased out of the show? Here are all the details..
Is Melissa O’Neil’s Lucy Chen leaving The Rookie after Season 7?
Since Season 1, Lucy has been one of The Rookie’s most beloved characters. She evolved from a fresh-faced recruit to a determined officer with leadership goals. After failing her first sergeant’s exam, she worked hard to retake it. In Season 7, Episode 17, she not only passed but also scored at the top of the list.
But there’s a catch. Lieutenant Grey tells her the promotion comes with a night shift assignment. As a result, she’ll no longer work alongside Tim Bradford and the rest of the Mid-Wilshire team during the day. This sudden change has raised concerns. Fans wonder if Lucy’s role might be reduced—or if Melissa O’Neil is leaving The Rookie altogether.
Fortunately, The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley cleared up the confusion. He confirmed that Lucy’s night shift isn’t part of an exit plan. In an interview with ScreenRant, Hawley explained that this new challenge adds drama to Lucy and Tim’s relationship.
“Now she’s on the night shift… that’s really tough on your body, and it’s a tough adjustment to make,” Hawley said. “All of that to add drama and one last obstacle to the conversation that needs to happen between her and Tim now that some of the more practical obstacles are out of the way.” He also described Lucy’s promotion as “really earned and really sweet,” confirming that her journey is far from over.
Given that ABC has already renewed The Rookie for Season 8, it’s unlikely that Melissa O’Neil’s Lucy Chen is leaving the show.
