Although the series is typically more about the crime surrounding the Mid-Wilshire division of the LAPD, The Rookie has managed to develop some fascinating romantic relationships that nearly all share one strange quirk. Throughout the run of The Rookie, the series has banked on its romantic pairings, though some have come to fruition easier than others on the seven-season series.
While The Rookie season 8 is set to reunite its most intense romantic pair, Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil), Chenford isn't the only romance that's ignited on the show. John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and his wife Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan) have had a fascinating romantic arc, as have long-time pair Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) and Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore).
Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) and James Murray (Arjay Smith) have had one of the most intense romantic relationships on the show, bringing to life the difficulties in a relationship between a highly ranked detective and a staunchly anti-police community leader. No matter which relationship, however, The Rookie has repeated the same quirk with nearly every single one of their romantic pairs.
Only One Of The Rookie's Pairs Have Said Their First "I Love You" On Screen
Nolan & Bailey Are, As Usual, The Show's Outlier

Nathan Fillion as John Nolan and Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune in The Rookie
Although Nolan and Bailey, who The Rookie fans aren't generally big fans of, shared their first "I love you" on screen, none of the other couples on the series have had the same milestone documented. While each couple has shared a love declaration on the show, it's clear from the scenes they were in that it wasn't the first time.
The Rookie's Viewers Are Looking For Specific Relationship Milestones
Glossing Over Big Moments Isn't The Right Move

Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford looking lovingly at each other in The Rookie.
As The Rookie season 8 continues to film, the show's fans are hopeful that the upcoming season will bring them more interpersonal moments between the romantic pairs on screen. While their first "I love you" scenes weren't part of the series, many fans are hopeful that the romantic pairs will continue to hit major milestones, and that those milestones will be shown on screen.
While it's great to know that the characters' lives are continuing outside of the show's narrative, keeping viewers up to date on their developments is key after they've already become interested in the couples. Specifically, The Rookie fans seem hopeful about the future of Tim and Lucy. It seems obvious that they want The Rookie to ensure viewers see their most critical moments moving forward.
Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
