This character has been missing from The Rookie since Season 4, & I think it’s high time for their return

This character has been missing from The Rookie since season 4, and it is high time that the show brings him back. Can you guess the character I am talking about? Yes. It is Pete Nolan, John's younger brother. The character added a different energy to the show with his quirky and chaotic persona. It also gave Nathan's character some personal stakes outside the LAPD business.

His return is long overdue. There are several reasons: his unresolved relationship with Chastity, his bond with his brother John Nolan, and his backstory. Even the episode "The Mutiny and the Bounty" mishandles the absence of Pete. Though the episode centres around the character, Pete never appears on screen.

Read on to know more.

Pete Nolan's return is long overdue in The Rookie, and now it's high time

In season 6, Pete was dating Chastity, and their relationship was the heart of a hilarious and unexpected dynamic. But in “The Mutiny and the Bounty,” Pete’s absence was awkwardly written off, despite being a central figure in the love triangle. The entire plot revolves around Chastity being pursued by Randy, who fell for her in a previous episode. Later, it is revealed that Chastity is still dating Pete, and this sets up the love triangle. Despite Pete never appearing on screen.

The episode relied heavily on off-screen mentions, which made his absence more distracting than seamless. Chastity says Pete supports the idea of Randy becoming her “sugar daddy” so he can get a Porsche out of the deal. While John Nolan casually mentions that Pete is on a 'no-fly list" and is taking a bus to LA, he never actually arrives. His return could have clarified his relationship status with Chastity while also helping create a comedic rivalry with Randy. Imagine both Randy and Pete are trying to win over Chastity in their own absurd ways.

Pete Nolan is more than comic relief, which adds to the theme of The Rookie

Pete is more than comic relief — he also provides a unique lens into John Nolan’s backstory. Their sibling dynamic is filled with tension, competition, and unexpected warmth. With John moving into more leadership and mentorship roles in the later seasons, bringing Pete back could challenge or reinforce those developments while adding more layers to his stoic figure. Imagine Pete is again trying to reinvent himself, or Pete needing help from John, only now the power dynamic has shifted.

The Rookie could have built on family tension, with John needing to balance his job and his brother’s antics.

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In an interview with The Collider, showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed they do want Pete back in The Rookie.

"I think Pete really does enjoy doing the show. His reps reach out to us all the time to check, but scheduling has just been a bit of an obstacle, so that man is super busy. Our goal is always to find a story to land Pete back in our universe," says Hawley

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