Season 7 of The Rookie is set to premiere on January 7, 2025, but it comes with a big change. The show’s co-creator, Alexi Hawley, revealed that Tru Valentino, who has played Officer Aaron Thorsen since Season 4, will have a reduced role in the upcoming season. Valentino’s exit is attributed to creative reasons, though Hawley assured fans that the character is “very much alive” in the storyline, and there’s always the potential for him to return in future seasons.
Hawley explained to Screen Rant that the decision was part of the show’s natural evolution: “We needed to pivot a bit creatively for where the show was going.” Despite Valentino stepping back from the main cast, there’s no ill will between him and the production, and Hawley expressed a desire to bring him back if the storyline calls for it.
As for the rest of the season, familiar faces like Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Jenna Dewan, and Lisseth Chavez will return. Fans can also expect two new guest stars—Eric Augustine as Miles, a “rookie” transfer from Texas with two years of experience, and Patrick Keleher as Seth, a seemingly ideal police officer who struggles with making quick decisions.
With the new drama and character developments ahead, Season 7 promises to bring plenty of excitement to The Rookie fans.