The Rookie's Nathan Fillion Works 'Smarter, Not Harder' and Decks Runaway on Scooter in Season 7 Teaser (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) knows being the Rookie is anything but easy.

In PEOPLE’s exclusive first look at teaser for the upcoming seventh season of the hit ABC series, Nolan is patrolling the streets once again as the oldest rookie to join the Los Angeles Police Department.

Nathan Fillion as John Nolan in ‘The Rookie’.Disney/Gizelle Hernandez

Disney/Gizelle Hernandez

Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) acknowledges nothing about their jobs is carefree.

“Being a cop is stressful, 24/7,” Chen admits as the officers racing to another crime scene is shown.

“Every year on the job is different. You never really stop being a rookie because if we lose control, bad things happen,” Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) adds as a body bag is pulled from the ground amid an investigation.

The teaser concludes with Nolan decking a runaway on his scooter. He declares, “Work smarter, not harder.”

Eric Winter as Tim Bradford in a still for The Rookie.Disney/Gizelle Hernandez

The show also stars Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez.

Ahead of the season 6 finale in April 2024, ABC announced the procedural drama would return for another installment. AfterDeadlineconfirmed the news, Fillion shared his excitement to continue working on the procedural dramaon Instagram, alongside a screenshot of the publication’s article.

“It’s a good feeling to have work," he wrote at the time. “It’s even better to be able to take pride in that work. If you are among those who are enjoyingThe Rookie, we owe you our thanks.”

The actor added: “Thank you, for having excellent taste in entertainment. Season 7, here we come. (And let’s not forget ABC! Thanks for being so supportive!).”

‘The Rookie’ key art.Disney

Disney

In 2018, Fillion — who also serves as an executive producer — opened up toThe Hollywood Reporterabout whyThe Rookiewas relatable to audiences.

“[John Nolan] is literally starting his life over, from scratch,” he said. “He has an incredible history behind him, but he’s starting everything brand new. It’s a very attractive prospect that people can relate to.”

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The Rookiereturns Jan. 7 on ABC.

source: people.com