You've probably been scouring the web trying to figure out if we’re getting a full-sized helping of John Nolan this year or just a snack. Honestly, after the chaos of the Hollywood strikes last year, everything felt a bit up in the air. We got used to those truncated, ten-episode "mini-seasons" that left us feeling like we missed out on half the story. But things are looking up for Mid-Wilshire.
How many episodes in Season 7 of The Rookie will we actually get?
Let’s get straight to the point because I know that's why you're here. For the 2024-2025 television cycle, ABC has officially confirmed that Season 7 of The Rookie will consist of 18 episodes.
This is a pretty big deal.
While it’s not quite the 22-episode "super-size" seasons we saw back in the early days of the show, it is a massive jump from the 10 episodes we suffered through in Season 6. Basically, the network is trying to get back to a sense of normalcy. They want a "straight-through" run. This means fewer random three-week breaks where you forget what happened in the previous cliffhanger.
ABC Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich has been pretty vocal about this strategy. He mentioned that keeping the show off the fall schedule was a tactical move. By waiting until January 2025 to premiere, they can air those 18 episodes nearly every single week without the typical interruptions for holiday specials or mid-season awards shows. It’s a win for the fans who hate the "start-stop" rhythm of modern TV.
Why the episode count changed this time around
It’s all about the strike recovery.
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You remember the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes? They completely gutted the production schedules for almost every major network procedural. Season 6 was rushed into production the second the contracts were signed, which is why it was so short. It was a "bridge" season.
For Season 7, showrunner Alexi Hawley finally has the breathing room to tell a long-form story again. Writing 18 episodes allows for those "monster of the week" cases that fans love, while still pushing the larger serialized arcs—like the fallout from the Season 6 finale—forward at a natural pace. If they had stuck to 10 or 12 episodes, the character development for people like Celina Juarez or the ever-evolving "Chenford" dynamic would have felt incredibly rushed.
Also, look at the budget. 18 episodes is a sweet spot for Disney. It’s enough to keep the show profitable through ad revenue and international syndication without the astronomical overhead of a 24-episode grind.
What to expect from the extended runtime
With 18 episodes on the table, the writers are bringing in new blood to fill the space. We know that Deric Augustine and Callum Keane have joined the cast as new rookies. Miles and Seth, respectively.
Think about it this way: with only 10 episodes, you barely have time to learn a new character’s name before the season finale. With 18 episodes, we actually get to see these guys screw up, learn the ropes, and maybe even get into some genuine trouble that doesn't feel like a subplot squeezed into the last five minutes of an episode.
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We’re also looking at a massive villain return. You saw the Season 6 finale. Oscar Hutchinson is out. Jason Wyler is out. They are roaming the streets. An 18-episode order gives the writers the luxury of letting that threat simmer. It’s not just going to be a "catch them in episode two" situation. Expect a slow-burn hunt that likely culminates in a massive two-part finale toward the start of summer.
The "January Premiere" Trade-off
Some fans were annoyed that the show didn't return in September. I get it. Waiting is the worst.
But there’s a silver lining to the January premiere that directly affects the episode count. By starting in January, ABC ensures that The Rookie becomes the anchor of their mid-season lineup. Because there are 18 episodes, and roughly 20-22 weeks between January and May, we are looking at almost zero reruns.
It’s a "binge-linear" experience. You get the community aspect of watching live every week, but the momentum of a streaming show.
A quick look at the history of episode counts:
- Season 1: 20 episodes (The introduction)
- Season 2: 20 episodes (Finding its footing)
- Season 3: 14 episodes (The COVID-shortened year)
- Season 4: 22 episodes (The peak volume)
- Season 5: 22 episodes (Full steam ahead)
- Season 6: 10 episodes (The strike year)
- Season 7: 18 episodes (The new "standard")
How to stay updated as the season airs
Since we know there are 18 episodes, you should keep an eye on the Tuesday night slots on ABC. The show is moving back to its "home," but the timing might shift depending on what the lead-in looks like.
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If you miss a week, Hulu is still the primary streaming destination for the day-after drop. Given the 18-episode structure, the mid-season finale (usually around episode 9) will likely be a massive turning point, probably airing sometime in March.
Don't expect a Season 8 announcement until we are at least 12 episodes deep into this run. Networks usually wait for the "Live+3" (live viewing plus three days of DVR/streaming) numbers for the first half of the season before greenlighting more. However, considering The Rookie is consistently one of ABC’s top performers, things look very bright.
Actionable steps for fans
To make the most of this 18-episode season, here is what you should do:
- Sync your calendar: Mark Tuesday nights starting in January 2025. With a "straight-through" run, you won't want to miss the live discussions on social media, especially with the 18-episode momentum.
- Rewatch the Season 6 finale: Since Season 7 picks up with the hunt for Oscar and Jason, the details in those final fifteen minutes of Season 6 are crucial.
- Watch the spin-offs? Keep an eye out for news on The Rookie: Feds characters. While that show was cancelled, the 18-episode count for the main series provides plenty of room for guest spots from your favorites like Simone Clark.
- Check the ABC App: Sometimes the network drops "webisodes" or behind-the-scenes clips that bridge the gaps between these 18 episodes, especially since they are filming them closer together than usual.
The show is back in a big way. 18 episodes. No more "mini-season" excuses. Just pure, unadulterated Mid-Wilshire madness.