Summary
The Rookiewillbe back on the air in January 2026, and after so many plotlines were teased at the end of season 7, it’s definitely tough to wait. Besides beingfrustrated with the season 8 premiere delay, fans are nervous about the state of Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim Bradford’s (Eric Winter) relationship. I agree that it’s been hard to watch these characters dance around each other and ignore their true feelings. But even though there are several more months to go until the season 8 premiere, I’m sure the wait will be worth it asThe Rookieis one of the funniest and most charming procedurals on the air.
IfThe Rookiefans all want Chenford to get back together, they can’t agree onwhether Seth Ridley (Patrick Keheler) should come back.Fans have debated another memorable element of the ABC procedural, and while I think it’s a fun narrative device that should be used again, I have one main concern.
The Rookie Season 8 Should Continue The Show’s Documentary-Style Episodes
The Rookiehas featured a few documentary-style episodes, most notably season 7, episode 15, “A Deadly Secret.“Fans are torn about whether this works. For some, they’re entertaining and fun. For others, they’re an unnecessary departure from that season’s plot.
“I enjoyed all of them. The interviews are really fun.”
Another shared:
“I’m not a big fan of them. They break the 4th wall a bit too much for me… I prefer to get sucked in to the regular stories.”
Redditor @Fishfilteredcoffee is a fan but can understand why some would prefer that they aren’t included. They wrote:
“I love them, but I like The Rookie so much because it leans in to its campy, silly side. I can see why people who want a more serious drama don’t like them.”
I likeThe Rookie’s documentary episodes because they’rea creative and unique break from the formula of the show. Like other procedurals, the show hasa new case every week, villains who pop in and out of the plot, and several smart and likable main characters. It’s easy topictureThe Rookieairing for several more seasonsbecause the formula works so well. I also like this format because John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) is often awkward and ready to cut the interview short, and that makes me laugh every single time. He always looks like there’s somewhere else he would rather be.
However, ifThe Rookieseason 8 features one or two documentary-style episodes, one big change has to be made:the episode has to move the plot forward. This is a common complaint that fans have, and I agree with it. Bythe end of season 7, episode 15, “A Deadly Secret,“fans know that Lucy Chen has forgiven Tim Bradford for breaking up with her.Butit takes a few more episodes for Chenford to make a bit of progress in their relationship. While it’s great to see them work together on a case and be honest with each other, it’s hard not to wish that they got back together shortly after having this conversation.
There’s always a fine line between making fans happy and trying something new on a long-running TV show, but I think this storytelling format is great. SinceThe Rookieis a police drama, there are only so many narrative devices that can be used. The series has to explore the main characters' work lives in every episode. A documentary is an easy way for the show to do something different without moving too far away from the premise of the show.
Here’s What I’d Like To See If The Rookie Season 8 Has A Documentary-Style Episode
IfThe Rookieseason 8 has another documentary episode, I think it would bea great opportunity for the show to lean into its signature sense of humor. It would be fun to seea famous guest star like Pete Davidsonin this kind of episode. Nolan and his half-brother Pete (Davidson) could witness a crime and be interviewed about it, or maybe they could participate in a documentary about people who find long-lost family members.
What are The Rookie’s documentary-style episodes?
This kind of episode could alsoallow Tim Bradford to experience some character growth. ThroughoutThe Rookieseason 7, Tim struggles to share his feelings about his breakup. Although he makes some progress by the finale, it would have been great to see this happen earlier. I’d be happy to see another documentary being filmed on the ABC drama, but it should feel like an important part of the plot and not a standalone episode.
