Even thoughThe Rookieis new on April 29, fans will still have to wait a little bit longer than they normally do to watch the episode. Throughout the ABC crime drama’s seventh season, the characters have encountered numerous new challenges (e.g., serial killer Liam Glasser and deceitful rookie Seth Ridley) and old foes (e.g.,Jason Wyler and Monica Stevens). Withonly three episodes left inThe Rookieseason 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 renewedThe Rookiefor season 8, which will premiere during the 2025–2026 TV season.
Aside from physical threats,The Rookieseason 7 charactersstill 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 whenThe Rookieseason 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 Rookieseason 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.
The Rookieseason 7, episode 16
The Rookieseason 7, episode 17
“Mutiny and the Bounty”
The Rookieseason 7, episode 18
“The Good, The Bad, and The Oscar”
Alexi Hawley
June 25, 2025
Instead of at 9 pm ET,The Rookieseason 7, episode 16 will premiere at 10 pm ET tonighton ABC. BeforeHigh Potentialseason 1 ended, Tuesdays at 10 pm ET wasThe Rookieseason 7’s usual timeslot. However, after the freshman series released its finale, ABC movedThe Rookieup 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
PerABC 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 willdelayWill Trentseason 3, episode 16to 9 pm ET (its normal timeslot is at 8 pm ET on Tuesdays). This creates a domino effect and pushesThe Rookieseason 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 nextThe Rookieseason 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 youngRookiecharacterwill somehow get reinstated to the LAPD in “The Return,” which is sure to cause many mixed feelings among the other officers. Elsewhere inTheRookieseason 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 pass to be with Tim).
