Even though Jason Wyler and Monica Stevens). With only three episodes left in The Rookie season 7, the series still has to address many open storylines, many of which include the aforementioned obstacles and villains, and the beginning of the end begins tonight.

ABC renewed The Rookie for season 8, which will premiere during the 2025–2026 TV season.

Aside from physical threats, The Rookie season 7 characters still have to contend with personal struggles. Most importantly, Tim and Lucy must define their relationship status before the season finale. The former couple hooked up a handful of times throughout season 7 without getting back together. However, given Tim and Lucy's popularity among viewers and their importance to the show, it's only a matter of time before they officially rekindle their romance. Hopefully, fans will get more answers when The Rookie season 7, episode 16, "The Return," premieres.

The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16 Won't Air On Its Usual Timeslot (But It Will Be On Tonight)

"The Return" Will Still Premiere On April 29

As mentioned above, The Rookie season 7, episode 16, "The Return," won't debut during its normal timeslot. As many know, ABC typically airs new episodes of the police procedural series on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET. However, on Tuesday, April 29, the network will release "The Return" one hour later.

Instead of at 9 pm ET, The Rookie season 7, episode 16 will premiere at 10 pm ET tonight on ABC. Before High Potential season 1 ended, Tuesdays at 10 pm ET was The Rookie season 7's usual timeslot. However, after the freshman series released its finale, ABC moved The Rookie up to 9 pm ET. For April 29, though, Alexi Hawley's crime drama will temporarily return to its 10 pm ET timeslot.

Why The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16 Is Airing Late On April 29

Will Trent Season 3, Episode 16 Is Delayed

Per ABC News, ABC is releasing "President Trump the First 100 Days: The Interview in the Oval Office" on Tuesday, April 29, at 8 pm ET. The primetime special features an exclusive interview with Trump, covering the president's first 100 days in office. As a result, the one-hour interview will delay Will Trent season 3, episode 16 to 9 pm ET (its normal timeslot is at 8 pm ET on Tuesdays). This creates a domino effect and pushes The Rookie season 7, episode 16 one hour later to 10 pm ET.

What To Expect From The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16

Patrick Keleher Reprises His Role As Seth

The biggest tease regarding the next The Rookie season 7 episode is Seth Ridley's return. As many will recall, Seth was Lucy's rookie and a pathological liar. After catching him in a fib about his cancer, Lieutenant Grey fired Seth. However, the young Rookie character will somehow get reinstated to the LAPD in "The Return," which is sure to cause many mixed feelings among the other officers. Elsewhere in The Rookie season 7, episode 16, Wesley goes head-to-head with an influencer, and Tim helps Lucy out while she studies for the sergeant's exam (which she'll need to to be with Tim).

Source: ABC News