A Fan-Favorite Might Return
Hold onto your badges, Rookie fans! At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Nathan Fillion—notorious for stealing scenes and hearts—dropped a tantalizing hint: Pete Davidson might be back on The Rookie. Let’s break down the details, what’s already in motion, and why this potential return has fans buzzing like LA traffic.
What Did Nathan Fillion Actually Say?
Okay, so here’s the scoop: during a Comic-Con panel on July 26, 2025, Fillion shared that Pete Davidson “wants to come back” to the show. He gushed about Davidson being a joy on set—“so kind,” “vibrates on a different plane,” and every take being unique
The Official Word from the Show’s Powers That Be
Showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed that they’re desperate to bring Pete back, and that Davidson’s reps have reached out—availability being the only hurdle
When and Where Might We See Pete Again?
All signs point to Season 8, scheduled for mid-season 2026. ABC renews the show, aiming for a January 2026 return. That sets perfect timing for a surprise cameo—or even a multi-episode arc
How Fans Reacted—From Reddit to Good Housekeeping
Fans on Reddit are hopeful. One user shared, “They did say at Comic Con that he wants to come back! Maybe we’ll get lucky.”
Elsewhere, Good Housekeeping reported the Comic-Con moment, quoting Fillion on Davidson’s enthusiasm and crew popularity
Why Pete’s Return Would Be So Electric
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Chemistry: Pete played John Nolan’s half-brother in earlier seasons; their dynamic added unpredictability and emotional depth.
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Fan Love: His appearances always spark excitement and social buzz.
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Story Potential: With key arcs like Chenford (Lucy & Tim) and shadowy evils like Oscar and Monica still unresolved, adding Pete could shake things up in brilliant ways.
What’s Already Lined Up for Season 8
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Filming kicked off in Prague—a bold move that Fillion compared to making Casino Royale
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Major cliffhangers: Lucy and Tim (“Chenford”), Oscar’s escape, and Monica’s murky immunity deal are all in play
What Could This Mean for The Rookie’s Future?
Bringing Pete back isn’t just a cameo—it’s a signal that the writers are open to sprinkling in surprise returns and playful callbacks. It deepens the sense that everyone’s favorite “oldest rookie” show still has tricks up its sleeve.
Conclusion
So, here’s what we know: Pete Davidson wants to come back, the showrunners want him back, and Season 8 is the perfect playground for his return—assuming schedules align. With unresolved storylines, overseas filming, and high fan energy, his return would ramp up anticipation to full throttle.
Keep your eyes peeled, because The Rookie’s next chapter might just come with a surprise visit from everyone’s favorite SNL alum.
FAQs
1. When is The Rookie Season 8 expected to premiere?
Season 8 is slated for mid-season 2026, likely in January, as part of ABC’s mid-season lineup
2. Has Pete Davidson confirmed he’ll return?
Not yet—only that he wants to and the show wants him. Scheduling is the main hurdle
3. Why is the production filming in Prague?
It’s ambitiously cinematic and unconventional for network TV, but the team has proven efficient and capable 4. What major stories will Season 8 resolve?
Expect the Lucy-Tim romance (“Chenford”), villain Oscar, and Monica’s immunity to be front and center
5. Where can current seasons of The Rookie be watched?
You can stream all available episodes on Hulu (US) or Disney+, and new episodes air on ABC
