At a Glance
- Deric Augustine and Lisseth Chavez hint at a major character comeback in The Rookie Season 8
- The new season premieres January 6 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, streaming next day on Hulu
- Returning characters include Monica Stevens, Oscar Hutchinson, and possibly Flula Borg and Pete Davidson
- Why it matters: Fans of The Rookie can expect familiar faces and high-stakes drama in the upcoming season
Season 8 of The Rookie is set to deliver major surprises, including the return of a beloved character through what the cast calls a “reincarnation” moment.
A Major Character Returns
Deric Augustine, who plays Officer Miles Penn, teased a pivotal episode involving a returning character. He said viewers will finally see the full depth of a relationship that had been building over time.
> “You’re going to see them come together and really air it out. It’s such a huge spoiler that I can’t even indulge more in it.”
Lisseth Chavez, who plays Celina Juarez, added that the storyline involves a Secret Service twist and what she described as “reincarnation.”

Familiar Villains and Guest Stars
Alexi Hawley, the show’s creator, confirmed that several familiar faces will return this season:
- Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan) – teaming up with LAPD, FBI, and Interpol in Prague
- Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave) – the escaped convict from last season
- Flula Borg – expected to return if scheduling allows
- Pete Davidson – still being pursued due to his busy calendar
> “One of the joys of leading such a long-running series is that people actually want to be on our show.”
What Viewers Can Expect
Season 8 continues to follow John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), the LAPD’s oldest rookie, as he navigates the challenges of law enforcement. The show also stars Jenna Dewan, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, and Shawn Ashmore.
Key Takeaways
- A returning character will reveal hidden layers of past relationships
- Guest stars include Secret Service agents and surprise cameos
- The season kicks off with international intrigue in Prague
- Fans can stream new episodes on Hulu the day after they air on ABC
With a mix of returning favorites and new twists, The Rookie Season 8 promises to keep viewers hooked from the very first episode.

