“We’re not done”: The Rookie creator teases more ‘drama’ to come for ‘Chenford’ in Season 8

The episode of The Rookie season 8 starts off with Nolan and Bailey getting thrown right into chaos rather than easing into the season. This move by the makers already suggests that the show is ready for more drama in the new season.

Their “second honeymoon” in Prague is anything but romantic, as they spy on Monica, now a federal informant selling secrets for immunity. Monica isn’t only comic relief here but also acts as a reminder of how morally squishy the justice system can be when dealing with criminals of a certain value.

The Rookie showrunner, Alexi Hawley, while speaking to Deadline, teased that although Chenford will not go through another big event this season, the drama is still very much alive for the fan-favorite couple.

What did The Rookie creator tease about Chenford season 8?

The Rookie Season 8 premiered on January 6, 2025, with episode 1. The challenges ahead are more mundane, real-life ones and revolve around managing two busy cop careers, keeping a home, surviving clashing habits, and really living together as two real individuals.

The drama moves from “Are they going to stay together?” to “How do they make this work?”, which keeps the relationship compelling without retreading the emotional upheaval they’ve previously endured:

"We’re not done with obstacles in the sense that we still need drama, but I think a lot of their drama is focused more on navigating workplace, home life, and career things that they’re both going through as opposed to a romantic obstacle, if that makes sense."

Therefore, romantic tension in the next season will not come from a high-stakes relationship conflict but rather from such down-to-earth issues as sharing living space, juggling demanding jobs, and dealing with workplace pressures, while being a couple.

Hawley added how the show is focusing on portraying Lucy and Tim's relationship more maturely:

"I think we’re very relationship-forward this season. Obviously, Tim and Lucy are moving into a new phase. There’s going to be some challenges for Nolan and Bailey and Grey and Luna; there’s some trouble in that relationship as well."

The Rookie showrunner further said:

"We do have some fun — I don’t want to spoil where we’re going but like, even the moving-in is a complicated thing, and when you unpack. How you unpack all that stuff? Just felt like a way to have some fun with their relationship without all the high stakes that we’ve had recently."

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Tim’s unsuccessful move-in pitch last season sent him into a state where he thought he would end up ruining everything. Lucy, meanwhile, is batting for certainty. Lopez and Celina stepping in isn’t meddling any more than them being a chosen family. Their intervention actually forces Tim and Lucy to say what they’ve been avoiding.

So, the end of the hour strikes the balance we expect from the series. The Rookie, Season 8, would come out as a spectacle with international crime plots, while also featuring a pair of individuals deciding to become life partners.

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