
Savor this week’s episode of The Rookie because it will be a long while before new episodes air on ABC. The network revealed that the Nathan Fillion-led drama will not return until 2026 when presenting their fall lineup. This is the third year in a row in which The Rookie has been held off for a midseason premiere. When that happened this season, the network said it gave viewers the best viewing experience since there won’t be big breaks between episodes like many Fall shows experience when the holiday season creeps up on them. This is not a huge cause for concern for fans, given that the network has already confirmed Season 8, but it will be a long wait. ABC has yet to reveal the specific return date.
The Season 7 finale airs tonight, Tuesday, May 13. Nolan’s biggest enemy returns. “John and Harper (Mekia Cox) work together to catch Oscar (Matthew Glave); Angela (Alyssa Diaz) investigates a bank robbery; Lucy (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim (Eric Winter) learn to adapt to her new schedule, and Miles’ (Deric Augustine) first date takes an unexpected turn,” the logline for The Rookie Season 7, Episode 18, “The Good, the Bad, and the Oscar,” teases. While the news about the show being held off for next year is disappointing, showrunner Alexi Hawley teases great stories in it. Based on how everything plays out tonight, new storylines might be introduced on old ones that carry over.
What Does ABC’s Fall Schedule Look Like?
Like a few other broadcast networks, ABC’s schedule shows a slight increase in unscripted and reality programming. Scripted programming begins on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET as High Potential returns for Season 2. The drama was ABC’s most-watched new series in seven years and was the most-streamed broadcast series of the season, more than doubling its nearest competition in both the key 18-49 demo and total viewers, the network reports. Wednesday will be comedy night as Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary air from 8 p.m. ET onward.
Thursdays are dominated by procedural as 9-1-1 continues its run on ABC after moving from Fox two seasons ago. It will be joined by a new offshoot, 9-1-1: Nashville, which airs at 9 p.m. ET after the flagship series. Grey’s Anatomy closes out the night at 10 p.m. ET. The rest of the week is covered by more reality and sports. ABC has yet to reveal the exact dates the shows will return. Additionally, Will Trent will also return in 2026.
Tune in to ABC tonight to catch the Season 7 finale of The Rookie and stay tuned to Collider for further updates.