The Rookie Renewed for Season 8 at ABC as Viewership Soars

ABC Doubles Down on The Rookie as Ratings Heighten

Talk about a comeback. ABC isn’t just sticking with The Rookie—they’re betting bigger than ever on what’s become one of their standout dramas. After a blockbuster seventh season that crushed records with over 8 million tuning in for a recent episode, network bosses made it official: The Rookie is back for Season 8. That kind of audience growth is rare these days, especially for a series revolving around a guy who’s famously known as the ‘oldest rookie’ on the LAPD. Nathan Fillion, who leads the charge as John Nolan, has helped shape the show into an unlikely hit, blending tense crime scenes with plenty of personality and sharp banter.

This renewal news lands alongside other major moves from ABC, which is re-upping staples like Grey’s Anatomy (now marching into its jaw-dropping 22nd season), 9-1-1, Will Trent, and Shifting Gears. But it’s the success of The Rookie that’s turning heads. Not only did Season 7 pull in its largest audience to date—peaking at 8.25 million viewers—it also proved the show’s got serious staying power when other police procedurals have stumbled or disappeared from prime time altogether.

What’s Ahead for John Nolan and the Squad?

Season 7 is still in the midst of wrapping up major storylines, with the finale set for April 15, 2025. Expect some fireworks: key characters are staging their return, with drama swirling around Bailey’s ex-husband and Monica—Wesley’s ex-girlfriend—stirring up trouble. The show’s always had a knack for weaving personal stories into its police work, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Last season, Nolan’s own life took center stage as he tied the knot with Army vet Bailey, played by Jenna Dewan.

Fillion took to Instagram as soon as the news broke, calling out just how unusual it is for a scripted drama to last this long on network TV. He tipped his hat to the cast, writers, and the sea of loyal fans that have kept tuning in each season. Nolan’s journey from the rookie desk all the way up to respected LAPD veteran remains a huge part of the show’s appeal. And don’t forget Lucy Chen (played by Melissa O’Neil), whose partnership with Nolan gives the series a unique spark.

So what’s next? Season 8 is penciled in for fall 2025. ABC’s keeping the official details under wraps, but the creative team is signed on and the ensemble cast is expected back in action. With crime still surging in the show’s version of Los Angeles and relationships getting messier by the minute, fans are in for another round of high-stakes cases, unexpected reveals, and plenty of dry humor. While the future of other ABC properties like Doctor Odyssey remains uncertain, The Rookie has officially cemented its place in the lineup—just when the network needed another hit.