The Rookie cast came prepared to make amends at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con!
Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, and Eric Winter led the ABC drama’s press line and panel on Saturday (July 25). Nathan layered a black jacket over a yellow smiley-face T-shirt, Melissa chose a powder-blue pantsuit and Eric kept things casual in a gray henley and jeans.
They were joined by Richard T. Jones, Alyssa Diaz, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Jenna Dewan, Lisseth Chavez, Deric Augustine, and creator-showrunner Alexi Hawley, with the ensemble gathering for a group photo.
Warning: Spoilers for the season 8 finale follow!
Tim finally proposed to Lucy in the May 4 finale, but the celebration was cut short when both characters were kidnapped. Nathan asked the Comic-Con crowd how many viewers “had a conniption in their living room” over the twist.
“We will send you some magnesium to calm you down,” Melissa joked, according to People. “Have a nice little bit of tea. We are so sorry for that. But also, thank you for going along for the ride.”
The Rookie season 9 will begin with a two-part event
Alexi confirmed that production on season 9 began last week and revealed that its “huge” opening story will span two episodes, “so it won’t be all resolved in one episode.”
“There’s a lot going on. .. I think it’s the best of what we do,” he said, calling it “incredibly high stakes” and “dramatic.”
Season 9 is expected to premiere on ABC in January 2027.
Catch up on The Rookie‘s latest cast changes, and see the first photos from upcoming spinoff The Rookie: North.
Posted To:2026 Comic-con 2026 San Diego Comic-con ABC Alyssa Diaz Comic-Con Deric Augustine Eric Winter Event Photos Jenna Dewan Lisseth Chavez Mekia Cox Melissa Oneil Nathan Fillion Richard T Jones Shawn Ashmore Television The Rookie