The upcoming season of "The Rookie" will mark a significant departure as it prepares to return to duty in 2025, with the loss of a beloved officer. TVLine has exclusively verified that Tru Valentino, who gracefully transitioned from a recurring character in Season 4 to a series regular in Season 5 of the hit ABC procedural, will not be reprising his role for Season 7.
Valentino's portrayal of Aaron Thorsen, a TikTok sensation turned rookie cop after being cleared of a sensational murder charge, captivated audiences. With Detective Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) as his training officer and Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) stepping in during Nyla's maternity leave in Season 5, Thorsen's journey was a highlight of the show.
The news of Valentino's departure comes as a surprise, following his absence from the show's recent San Diego Comic-Con appearances and just a month after ABC announced the addition of two new recurring guest stars for Season 7.
As previously teased, Deric Augustine, whose impressive TV resume includes roles in "All American" (as Clay), "Godfather of Harlem," and "Shameless," will breathe fresh energy into the series as Miles, a Texas transplant who, despite his two years of experience, finds himself back at square one as a rookie at the LAPD. Meanwhile, Patrick Keleher of "The Egos" on Funny or Die will bring Seth to life, a seemingly picture-perfect police officer whose natural hesitance clashes with the job's demands for swift and decisive action.
This shakeup promises to add new layers of intrigue and challenge to the already dynamic world of "The Rookie," as the team navigates the loss of a cherished member and welcomes fresh faces into their ranks.
Throughout its seven-season journey so far, "The Rookie" has remarkably sailed through relatively calm waters when it comes to cast turbulence, a rarity among procedural dramas with expansive ensembles. The series' first major setback came in Season 1, when Mercedes Masohn's Captain Zoe Andersen was tragically taken off the board, leaving hearts shattered. Soon after, Afton Williamson, portraying Officer Talia Bishop, bid adieu to the show ahead of its second season. And just when fans thought they had adjusted, Season 4's premiere dealt another blow – Titus Makin's Officer Jackson West was revealed to have passed away, a haunting aftermath of Season 3's climactic finale.
As ABC unveils its 2024-25 fall lineup, Tuesday nights will be graced by the dance floor magic of "Dancing With the Stars," seamlessly transitioning into the fresh drama "High Potential." Amidst this exciting schedule, however, "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" seem to be taking a temporary hiatus, strategically positioned for a "midseason" comeback.
But here's the silver lining: when these two powerhouse dramas do return, they'll be unleashed in an uninterrupted marathon of 18 episodes each, as confirmed by TVLine's sources. "They'll be on a roll," promises Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, who shared in May that "this relentless flow of fresh episodes, week after week, serves as a formidable propellant for both shows, fueling their momentum to new heights."
