Many (wrongly) believed Tim and Lucy would get back together inThe Rookieseason 7, and though it didn’t happen, that doesn’t mean their story should be over. In fact,Tim and Lucy must reunite because of how season 7 failed them.The good news is that it’s only a matter of time before we get “Chenford” back on our screens.
The Rookieseason 8 won’t premiere on ABC until early 2026, likely in January if it follows the same schedule as season 7. The good news is that season 8 is expected to contain 18 episodes that air weekly with little to no interruptions.
Tim and Lucy,The Rookie’s fan favorite slow-burn couple,broke up in season 6,just one season after they finally started dating. Their breakup made sense, but over the course of season 7, it seemed likeThe Rookiehad lost the plot. The ABC police procedural approached their inevitable reunion in all the wrong ways, resulting in disappointment all around.
Tim & Lucy’s Reunion Arc In The Rookie Season 7 Was Unnecessarily Frustrating
Season 7 Ended Without Chenford Back Together
Followingthe premiere ofThe Rookieseason 7, it appeared like the series was on the right course concerning Tim and Lucy’s reunion arc. It was wise not to rush them, bringing them back to their slow-burn roots. However, they aren’t the same people they were in the earlier episodes, meaningit shouldn’t take more than a season for Chenford to get together.
ThroughoutThe Rookieseason 7,Tim and Lucy rarely talked about the actual problems that led to their breakup.The viewers also hardly saw Tim attending therapy (which was needed for him to be ready to reconnect with Lucy). Instead, the twoRookiecharactersengaged in random hookups with each other, refusing to rebuild their friendship before jumping back into a relationship.
It was also irritating when Tim and Lucy seemingly had their long-awaited talk about the state of their relationship mostly off-camera and while accidentally high on drugs.
The push and pull ofChenford’s story inThe Rookieseason 7grew old very fast. One minute, it seemed like they were making progress; the next minute, they were falling back into bed together. It was also irritating when Tim and Lucy seemingly had their long-awaited talk about the state of their relationship mostly off-camera and while accidentally high on drugs.
Then,The Rookieseason 7 endedwithout Chenford reuniting. Instead, Lucy fell asleep while Tim confessed that he wanted to be her boyfriend again and thought they should move in together (which would definitely be too soon). It’s unclear where this leaves them heading into season 8. One thing is for sure, though:Chenford can’t have a repeat of season 7.
Tim & Lucy Still Belong Together In The Rookie
They Must Officially Reunite In Season 8
Despite what happened inThe Rookieseason 7,Tim and Lucy should still be endgame.They have been through too much together, and the writers have put in too much work to abandon their story now, especially because they are a big reason why people watch the show.The Rookieseason 8just has to get Tim and Lucy back on track.
The good news is thatTim and Lucy will likely get back together inThe Rookieseason 8,based on showrunner Alexi Hawley’s comments. During an interview withTheWrap, Hawley discussed Chenford’s last scene in the season 7 finale. He revealed how he interpreted the scene, and consequently teased their eventual reunion inThe Rookieseason 8. The showrunner explained:
“I think we’ve turned a corner. I think we built to a place where it is, for me, still a feel-good ending for their relationship.”
How The Rookie Season 8 Can Make Up For Chenford’s Story In Season 7
Tim & Lucy Must Get Back Together ASAP
Given that they took a huge step inThe Rookieseason 7 finale(although Lucy was asleep), it would make sense for season 8 to begin with Tim and Lucy rekindling their romance. Honestly, it would be for the best, too.Season 7 dragged out Chenford’s reunion for too longwithout making any significant development in their relationship.
So, Tim and Lucy might as well get back together in the premiere.Perhaps they shouldn’t move in together right away,because that wouldn’t be very realistic, due to the events of season 6’s second half and the entirety of season 7. However, season 8 could easily begin with Chenford simply dipping their toes back into the water of their relationship.
Deric Augustine
Miles Penn
IfThe Rookieseason 8 were to continue prolonging the inevitable, it would just be repeating season 7’s mistakes. The ABC police procedural series just has to bite the bullet and bringTim and Lucy back together. It would be quite disappointing ifThe Rookieresumed teasing fans concerning Tim and Lucy’s reunion, especially after everything that happened in season 7.
Ultimately,Tim and Lucy need to start dating again at the beginning of season 8and then stay together. There’s no reason to add any more drama to their relationship. Chenford has already been through many hardships together, and hopefully,The Rookieseason 8 treats them kindly.
