The latest release date forThe Rookie’s season 7 is great news because it means the show can narrowly avoid one of network TV’s most disappointing trends. After the abrupt season 6 finale,the major storylines in season 7 will likely be centered around Oscar and Jason’s escape from prisonand Monica’s escape from Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan. The cliffhangers in season 6 are good news for season 7, as there are already several stories to look forward to before the season even airs.

The Rookieseason 7will luckily feature most of the same characters as season 6, with the exception of Aaron Thorsen, sinceTru Valentino is departing the show after joining in season 4. The upcoming season will also feature newThe Rookiecast members, including Patrick Keleher and Deric Augustine.The Rookieseason 7 is definitely something to anticipate because of the show’s excellent cast and exciting plots, but its later release date also works as an advantage for the season.

Nathan Fillion as John Nolan and Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune looking on in The Rookie season 6, episode 1.

The Rookie Season 7’s Release Means It’ll Have Very Few Breaks

Season 7 Has A Short Air Time

WhileThe Rookietypically airs as part of ABC’s fall lineup, a recentupdate by Eric Winter, who plays Tim Bradford, has confirmed thatThe Rookieseason 7 will air in Januaryand finish sometime in May for the 2025 season. Season 7 will return to its usual longer length, with a total of 18 episodes. The 5-month air time also means thatThe Rookiewill need to have very few breaks during filming, which is great news.

The Rookieseason 7 premieres on ABC on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 10 pm EST.

Blended image of Zoe, Jackson and Nick from The Rookie

As there are only 21 Tuesdays betweenThe Rookieseason 7’s premiere and the end of May, that means that there can only be a few weeks when the show is not on air for it to finish at its usual time, in late spring. Consequently, there will not be a significant pause during the show’s highly anticipated season 7, anda new episode should be expected almost every week. It can be frustrating when network TV shows take longer to return after taking a break, butThe Rookie’s short air-time should prevent this from happening.

The Rookie Season 7’s Change Can Improve Upon Season 6

Season 7 Has A Longer Season With 18 Episodes

The Rookieseason 7’s longer episode count would benefit the show following its shockingly short season 6, which only had 10 episodes.A longer season means there is more room for character development, momentum for overarching plots, and a closer focus on the character’s personal relationships.The Rookieseason 6felt a bit rushed, but having a total of 18 episodes in season 7 should allow the show to stretch out its stories and develop them more organically.

The Rookie: Most Upsetting Character Deaths, Ranked

There are a handful of tragic deaths in ABC’s police procedural, The Rookie, and some are especially heartbreaking for fans of the show to watch.

The later release date forThe Rookieseason 7 also seeks to benefit the show. While the procedural has typically aired sooner, a later release date could increase anticipation for new episodes. That, in combination with its various cliffhangers, meansThe Rookie’s longer wait timeis actually good. Not only canThe Rookieavoid breaks with its delayed release, but it can also flesh out its stories and create a highly anticipated new season.

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The Rookie

Cast

The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.