Eight seasons in, The Rookie needs a fresh romance, and Celina Juarez and Miles Penn are undoubtedly the best picks for the job. The ABC series has featured many relationships over the years. John Nolan has had his fair share of girlfriends and is now settled down with Bailey Nune. Meanwhile, Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen are on the brink of reuniting, and almost every other character is married.
So, The Rookie doesn’t have many options when it comes to single characters. Almost everyone is happy in a relationship, having already thoroughly explored their dating options. As such, it’s time for a new couple for fans to obsess over. The good news is that the police procedural TV show already has a pair that could satisfy the need for another romance in The Rookie season 8.
7
Celina & Miles Have Natural Chemistry
The Duo Shared A Handful Of Scenes In The Rookie Season 7
The Rookie season 7 introduced Miles as the show’s latest rookie (alongside Seth Ridley). Celina was still a rookie herself, so she and Miles bonded over their similar status. Miles was still in a relationship at the time, though, meaning he and Celina only gave off friend vibes at first. However, no one can deny that the two characters have natural chemistry, even as just friends.
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Celina was often there for Miles as he navigated his new life in Los Angeles in The Rookie season 7. She could relate to him as a rookie, and she proved to be one of Miles’ greatest friends in the city since moving there (Seth certainly wasn’t a reliable shoulder to lean on). Celina and Miles simply vibe off each other well, and it would be interesting to see that connection turn romantic.
6
Celina & Miles Built A Strong Friendship In Season 7
They Have A Great Foundation
It’s much more thrilling when a couple in a TV show are friends before they start dating. The slow buildup and transition from platonic to romantic is intoxicating, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats waiting for whatever comes next. Of course, this only applies to couples that fans enjoy, but it’s safe to say that The Rookie‘s Celina and Miles fall under this category.
With Celina and Miles’ durable foundation, they could be an even stronger couple if The Rookie decides to take that route.
Celina and Miles have already built a close-knit friendship in the ABC series. She was the one he called when he ran into trouble during The Rookie season 7 finale, and he often turns to her for guidance. Although the advice is typically about Miles’ dating life, it proves that he and Celina have grown close since their first meeting in the season 7 premiere.
With Celina and Miles’ durable foundation, they could be an even stronger couple if The Rookie decides to take that route. The writers just have to put in the work to ensure that the evolution of their relationship feels natural. Perhaps that could happen in season 8, or even later if The Rookie wants to drag out Celina and Miles’ story for as long as they did Tim and Lucy’s.
5
Rodge Is Great, But It’s Difficult To See His & Celina’s Relationship Lasting
It’s Only A Matter Of Time Before Celina & Rodge Break Up
Once Miles broke things off with his girlfriend, Celina started dating Rodge in The Rookie season 7. The two make for a semi-cute couple, but the spark just isn’t there like it is with Celina and Miles. Unfortunately, Celina and Rodge are still together following the events of the season 7 finale, even though he is going on tour.
Rodge is a fun Rookie character who is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in the series. However, that doesn’t mean that he and Celina belong together or that they won’t break up between seasons 7 and 8 while he’s on tour. Their connection isn’t strong enough. She didn’t even want him to move in with her, after all.
It’s more likely that Celina and Rodge will separate sometime in or right before The Rookie season 8. Consequently, the door would open for a slow burn romance between Celina and Miles, which could feature them continuing to strengthen their friendship, developing feelings for one another, starting to date, or all of the above.
4
A Romance Arc Would Give Celina & Miles Worthwhile Stories In Season 8
The Rookie Needs To Give More Attention To Characters Outside Of Nolan, Tim, & Lucy
The Rookie favors some characters over others. As a result, a handful of characters have little to no meaningful arcs. For example, it has been a long time since Grey had a memorable storyline, while Tim and Lucy’s back-and-forth romance has all but taken over the show. However, a new love story could force the writers to focus on some of those who have been neglected.
Celina didn’t have much to do in season 7 outside her graduation (which was significantly downplayed) and her less-than-exciting relationship with Rodge. On the other hand, season 7 did a fair job of developing Miles’ character. It was his first season, after all. Celina also got a lot of attention when the ABC police procedural series first introduced her.
|
The Rookie Season 8 Cast |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Nathan Fillion |
John Nolan |
|
Richard T. Jones |
Wade Grey |
|
Alyssa Diaz |
Angela Lopez |
|
Eric Winter |
Tim Bradford |
|
Melissa O’Neil |
Lucy Chen |
|
Mekia Cox |
Nyla Harper |
|
Shawn Ashmore |
Wesley Evers |
|
Jenna Dewan |
Bailey Nune |
|
Lisseth Chavez |
Celina Juarez |
|
Deric Augustine |
Miles Penn |
The writers can keep the good vibes going with Miles and bring them back to Celina via a romance in The Rookie season 8. Perhaps Miles can move in with Celina if Lucy leaves. Tim asked Lucy to move in with him, and Miles must be getting sick of his trailer. The proximity would allow the show to explore their bond and give the writers an excuse to focus on them.
3
The Rookie Could Use A Fresh Will-They/Won’t-They Romance
Tim & Lucy’s Story Is Getting Stale
The Rookie was at its best when Tim and Lucy were in the slow burn phase of their relationship. It was exciting to watch them develop feelings for one another and then try to figure out how to deal with them. However, now that Tim and Lucy are getting back together in The Rookie season 8, it’s time for a new will-they/won’t-they romance.
The ABC police procedural series needs something to freshen up the plot, and there’s no better way to do that than with a new and exciting slow burn romance.
Celina and Miles can serve as Chenford’s replacement in The Rookie season 8. The ABC police procedural series needs something to freshen up the plot, and there’s no better way to do that than with a new and exciting slow burn romance. It would give viewers a reason to tune in, and it could be a reminder of how good The Rookie can be.
2
Tim & Lucy Are About To Get Back Together
Chenford Almost Reunited In The Rookie Season Season 7 Finale
As mentioned above, TV show romances are always more entertaining during their build-up phases, and Tim and Lucy won’t be in that phase for much longer in The Rookie. As such, the series needs another couple that fans can root for. The possibility of a relationship between Celina and Miles is enticing, given their chemistry, and building upon that in season 8 would fulfill the slow-burn role in the crime drama.
1
The Rookie Fans Have Already Started Shipping Celina & Miles
The Rookie Fandom Loves Their Ships
Celina graduated from the FTO program in The Rookie season 7, which gave the writers less of an excuse to pair her and Miles together in scenes. Nevertheless, Celina and Miles shared moments here and there, reminding viewers of their bond. Then, when Miles broke up with his long-term girlfriend, it was difficult for fans not to imagine him with Celina.
As many may know, The Rookie has a strong and passionate fan base. They often advocate for their favorite characters and ships (like Chenford), and they can’t help but point out chemistry when they see it. So, some fans speculated that a romance between Celina and Miles was possible, based on their interactions. If they’re on board, then it’s only a matter of time before The Rookie‘s producers are, too.
The Rookie season 8 won’t premiere until early 2026, but the good news is that it will contain 18 episodes that air weekly with little to no breaks (according to a report from TVLine).
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6/10
- Release Date
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October 16, 2018
- Showrunner
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Alexi Hawley
- Directors
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Tori Garrett, Chi-Yoon Chung, Michael Goi, Sylvain White, Lisa Demaine, Lanre Olabisi, Bill Johnson, David McWhirter, Liz Friedlander, Daniel Willis, Toa Fraser, Anne Renton, Jon Huertas, Cherie Nowlan, TK Shom, Rob Seidenglanz, Valerie Weiss, Barbara Brown, Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul, SJ Main Muñoz, Nelson McCormick, Marcus Stokes, Adam Davidson, Anna Mastro
- Writers
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Corey Miller, Bill Rinier, Zoe Cheng, Mary Trahan, Ally Seibert, Liz Alper, Nick Hurwitz, Racheal Seymour, Madeleine Coghlan, David Radcliff
Source: TVLine