Recently, fans heard the news that The Rookie season 8 won't premiere until mid-season, and while they wait, they're thinking about the implications of season 7, episode 22, "The Good, The Bad, and the Oscar." Recently, showrunner Alexi Hawley gave an interview and talked about whether the next season will feature a time jump, and it's an interesting question.
Showrunner Alexi Hawley Addresses Whether The Rookie Season 8 Will Feature A Time Jump
In an interview with TV Line after The Rookie season 7 finale, showrunner Alexi Hawley answered a question about whether season 8 will have a time jump. Hawley said:
This is great news as a big time jump would be frustrating for fans who want to know the status of Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Tim Bradford's (Eric Winter) relationship. A time jump wouldn't answer all the burning questions that viewers have, including when Lucy realizes that Tim asked her to move in with him, and she slept through it. A time jump would also likely result in some corny flashbacks about what happened during the time that has passed, which wouldn't be the right call.
Since fans were a little disappointed by The Rookie season 7 finale, it makes sense to pick up where this episode left off. While it's fine if a few weeks or even a month has passed since Nolan and his team saw Monica (Bridget Regan) again, any longer would be a mistake. Although of course Lucy and Tim are now working opposite schedules and they don't have as much time to talk as they used to, they should allude to the need for a serious conversation. Then, at least a few episodes into The Rookie season 8, they need to get back together and decide to live together. Fans have definitely waited long enough to see this storyline wrapped up.
What Storylines Were Left Hanging In The Rookie Season 7 Finale?
The Rookie season 7 finale was packed with drama, the return of two significant villains, and big changes in the main characters' personal lives. While there are several months to go until the popular series comes back in January 2026, fans are already curious about what will happen in the season 8 premiere.
In classic season finale fashion, several storylines haven't been resolved yet, which makes it hard to wait for more episodes. Of course, the biggest plotline is the question of Chenford. Eric Winter mentioned the complex relationship between these two beloved characters, and while fans know they won't magically solve all their problems, many would say they have been apart for too long.
Other storylines heading into The Rookie season 8 include how the team will deal with Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan), if Nolan will catch Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave) for good, and how Lucy Chen will find more confidence as a new sergeant.
