Nathan Fillion’s hit police procedural comedy-drama The Rookie will return to ABC for its Season 7 premiere on Tuesday, January 7, at 10 p.m. ET. The season will feature an 18-episode run, promising nearly uninterrupted episodes throughout the year (with the exception of potential interruptions for important national events like presidential addresses).
What to Expect in Season 7
The Rookie follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a man in his forties who joins the LAPD as the oldest rookie cop in the history of the department. Over the seasons, Nolan has evolved from a green rookie into a seasoned cop and mentor, guiding a new generation of officers with the wisdom and life experiences he’s gained on the streets of Los Angeles. In Season 7, Nolan will continue his mentorship role while also navigating the changing dynamics of law enforcement in a more critical world.
The show has always focused on police officers trying to do the right thing, but after the events of 2020 and the heightened public scrutiny of law enforcement, the show’s storytelling has evolved to reflect the complex and often difficult reality of policing in today’s world. Showrunner Alexi Hawley emphasized that the show is no longer just about being aspirational; it now embraces the struggles and flaws inherent in the job while still holding its characters to a standard of doing their best.
Key Storylines to Watch
Season 7 promises to delve deeper into the personal lives of its characters, with several major plotlines to look forward to:
- John and Bailey’s Family Journey: The end of Season 6 saw John Nolan and Bailey (Jenna Dewan) discussing their plans to start a family through adoption. Season 7 will explore how this new chapter unfolds, adding a family dynamic to the already action-packed cop drama.
- Angela and Wesley’s Relationship: The relationship between Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) and Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore), which had been somewhat sidelined in the previous season, will take center stage. Fans can expect more depth in their relationship, with both characters playing important roles within the precinct.
- Chenford Drama: One of the most anticipated storylines is the aftermath of the breakup between Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter). The couple, long a fan favorite, has a complicated history, and their split left fans heartbroken. Will they reconcile? Or will the tension between them continue to build? Fans of Chenford will definitely want to tune in to see how this unfolds.
- John Nolan’s New Rookie: John Nolan will be training a new rookie in Season 7. After his experiences with previous trainees like Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chaveth), it’ll be interesting to see how this new rookie fits into the team and how their relationship with Nolan compares to those that have come before.
Streaming and Catching Up
With The Rookie set to return in just 10 weeks, now is the perfect time to catch up on the first six seasons. All previous seasons are available to stream on Hulu, allowing both new and returning viewers plenty of time to get up to speed before the new season premieres.
As always, The Rookie has found a balance between compelling police procedural drama and heartfelt character moments, which has earned it a loyal fan base. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect even more excitement, drama, and personal growth in Season 7.
Don’t miss the return of The Rookie on January 7 at 10 p.m. ET, only on ABC.
