A big secret is waiting for fans when The Rookie returns for its eighth season. Actor Deric Augustine, who plays Officer Miles Penn, has revealed that a surprise character comeback will happen in a specific episode, promising major drama and emotional scenes. While Augustine kept the name a secret, he said the return will allow two characters to explore their past and “really air it out”. His co-star, Lisseth Chavez, added to the mystery by hinting at a fun guest star for her character, Celina Juarez, involving “Secret Service and reincarnation”.
This news comes as the popular ABC police drama prepares to return with its biggest season yet, featuring an international premiere in Prague and more intense action. The new season premieres on Tuesday, January 6, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
The Mystery of the Returning Character
In a recent interview, Deric Augustine shared exciting details about a pivotal upcoming episode. He teased a significant plot point involving the return of a familiar face.
“There’s a certain episode that someone comes back, and you really see the true dynamic of their relationship, the things that they probably went through in their own lives,” Augustine said. “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, but that’s going to be a phenomenal scene”.
Augustine emphasized that the scenes are crafted for great acting, suggesting a deep and impactful story for the characters involved. Lisseth Chavez offered a cryptic clue about her own storyline, mentioning a guest star that fits Celina’s spiritual and intuitive nature perfectly.
“I feel like we have a lot of really cool, fun guest stars that came to this season. One in particular, maybe because it’s for Celina, which is fun. It’s Secret Service and reincarnation. That’s it,” Chavez noted.
Showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed that season 8 will feature several returning characters from the show’s history. He mentioned that iconic villain Monica Stevens, played by Bridget Regan, is back for the Prague mission. The criminal Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave), who escaped prison in the Season 7 finale, will also return. Hawley expressed hope to bring back fan-favorite guest stars like Flula Borg as Skip Tracer Randy and is always trying to schedule a return for Pete Davidson.
A Bigger, More Explosive Season Eight
The eighth season of The Rookie is set to be its most ambitious. For the first time, the show filmed scenes overseas, sending characters John Nolan, Bailey Nune, and Nyla Harper to Prague, Czech Republic. The premiere episode, picking up days after the last season finale, involves the team working with the FBI and Interpol to target high-value terrorists. Show creator Alexi Hawley explained that moving the action to Prague was a creative challenge meant to refresh the series, achieved without increasing the show’s budget.
Back in Los Angeles, the rest of the Mid-Wilshire team handles the local side of the international case. Both cast and crew have described this season as larger in scale. “Every season, I feel like we’re leveling up, but this season I’m like, ‘Oh my God!’” said Lisseth Chavez. Deric Augustine agreed, stating simply, “It’s going to be fire”. He also mentioned enjoying doing his own stunts for the more action-packed episodes.
Character Updates and Personal Journeys
With Celina Juarez now a graduated police officer, she faces new professional challenges. Chavez explained that Celina is learning to balance her unique instincts with being a reliable team player and communicating better. In her personal life, Celina is maintaining a long-distance relationship with Rodge.
Officer Miles Penn remains under the training of Tim Bradford. Augustine describes Miles as focused intensely on his career, aiming to be “the best cop in the world”. While his dating life has been a struggle, his main goal is to calm his impulsive “cowboy” instincts and learn from Tim. Augustine also confirmed that Miles is still good friends with his college buddy who now plays in the NFL.
A major point of interest for fans is the relationship between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen, known as “Chenford.” The Season 7 finale ended with Tim asking a sleeping Lucy to move in with him. Showrunner Alexi Hawley has confirmed that the premiere is “a must-watch for Chenford fans” and that the aftermath of Tim’s question will be addressed “near the beginning” of the season. Melissa O’Neil, who plays Lucy, promised a quick follow-up to the cliffhanger.
Hawley also revealed a long-awaited character introduction: viewers will meet Tim Bradford’s mother for the first time this season, with a well-known actor in the role.
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Release Information and How to Watch
The Rookie Season 8 premieres on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on the ABC network. New episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu starting Wednesday, January 7. The show also streams on Disney+.
The season will consist of 18 episodes. For international fans, the series is expected to follow its usual pattern of becoming available on Disney+ in various global markets, though specific release schedules outside the U.S. should be confirmed with local streaming platforms.
The main cast from Season 7 is returning, including Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez. Deric Augustine, who played Miles Penn in Season 7, has been promoted to series regular for Season 8. Tru Valentino will also return as Aaron Thorsen for some episodes, though he is no longer a series regular.
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