ABC axing the spinoff ofThe Rookiewas disappointing, but the original series can make up for the disappointment bybringing back two fan-favorite characters (who also happen to beThe Rookie:Feds’version of Chenford).Given the success the police procedural show has had since its premiere in 2018, it makes sense that the network would want to turn it into a franchise. Unfortunately,ABC canceledThe Rookie: Fedsafter only one seasonin 2023. Now,The Rookiestands alone as it looks ahead to season 8 in the 2025–2026 broadcast TV season.
The Rookiereturns with season 8 in early 2026 (perTVLine). Season 8 will reportedly contain 18 episodes.
Since ABC nixedThe Rookie: Fedsfrom its schedule, some of the characters have sporadically crossed over to the spinoff’s parent series. However, they never stay for very long. The FBI agents usually pop in to help the LAPD solve a case and then leave just as fast. Plus, the most importantcharacter fromThe Rookie: Feds, Niecy Nash-Betts' Simone Clark, has yet to be seen since the offshoot’s finale. Since getting the ever-busy Nash-Betts onboard for just one episode would be tough,The Rookieseason 8 can do the next best thing by reuniting Tim and Lucy 2.0.
Laura & Brendon Were On Their Way To Becoming The Next Chenford In The Rookie: Feds
The 2 Rookie: Feds Characters Mirrored Tim & Lucy
Based on how vital therelationship between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chenhas been toThe Rookie, one would only expectThe Rookie: Fedsto try to duplicate their romance. Going off of season 1 alone, it appears as if Britt Robertson’s Laura Stensen and Kevin Zegers' Brendon Acres were to be the spinoff’s version of Chenford (aka Tim and Lucy).Laura started as Brendon’s training agent in the crime drama,as he was a rookie within the FBI, just like Simone. Of course, Laura and Brendon had different backstories from Tim and Lucy, but they shared a similar dynamic.
Jessica Betts
DJ
Laura and Brendon were quite different, and their personalities often clashed (à laChenford inThe Rookie). However, as everyone knows, opposites attract — well, at least they do on TV. Over the course ofThe Rookie: Feds' 22 episodes,Laura and Brendon formed a bond that suited them well during work hours and outside of them.
While it’ll be a miracle if we get to see Laura and Brendon’s story play out afterThe Rookie: Fedswas canceled, it’s not impossible.
Perhaps their connection was strictly platonic, but so was Tim and Lucy’s inThe Rookieseason 1 (and the three and a half seasons after that). It was also clear from the jump thatLaura and Brendon had chemistry.While it’ll be a miracle if we get to see Laura and Brendon’s story play out afterThe Rookie: Fedswas canceled, it’s not impossible.
The Rookie Can Finish Laura & Brendon’s Cut Romance
The Rookie Spinoff Never Got A Real Chance To Explore A Possible Romance Between Laura & Brendon
In April 2025,ScreenRant’s Rachel Foertsch spoke withThe RookieshowrunnerAlexi Hawley about the possibility of bringing Laura and Brendon back.As Hawley mentioned, the original police procedural series has featured a handful ofThe Rookie: Fedscameos. However, the show hasn’t thoroughly explored any of the characters' storylines after the offshoot was prematurely canceled. And it hasn’t brought Laura and Brendon together in any close or meaningful capacity. Hawley said:
“Down the road, for sure, I’d like to see [Laura and Brendon] together again. Some of it is literally just about availability and stuff like that. We’ve had Felix back, we’ve had Antoinette and him back as well. We just haven’t managed to land the right story with the right availability to get them back together. But I always really liked them.”
Laura and Brendon were amongThe Rookie: Fedscameos inThe Rookieseason 6 finale. They were joined by Matt Garza when the LAPD and FBI joined forces to (unsuccessfully) take down Monica Stevens. During the hour, though, Laura and Brendon didn’t have any memorable or personal moments. They were strictly there for a job, meaning they were seemingly only there for show instead of to right the wrongs of the spinoff’s cancelation. But that could change inThe Rookieseason 8.Laura and Brendon could return in a multi-episode arc,and fans can finally see their story play out.
How The Rookie Season 8 Can Incorporate Laura & Brendon Into Its Story
Britt Robertson & Kevin Zegers Have Already Reprised Their Feds Roles In The Rookie
The Rookie’s charactersoften team up with the FBI when working on cases. After the events of the season 7 finale (which featured the return of Monica), it would make sense for them to do so again. But this time,The Rookie: Feds' characters could stick around for more than one episode,opening the door for the ABC series to finish what the spinoff started with Laura and Brendon’s story.
If anything, season 8 can tease that there is something more between the couple than just a professional relationship or a friendship. Laura and Brendon don’t have to become full-time characters, of course. However,The Rookiewould be wise to bring them back for Monica’s case and take advantage of the opportunity to further develop Laura and Brendon’s relationship.
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.
