The Rookieis losing another character as Tru Valentino, who plays Officer Aaron Thorsen, is leaving in season 7. However,Aaron’s exit isn’t too worrying, following a promising update concerning his future on the show.Manymain characters have disappointingly leftThe Rookieover the course of its seven seasons, and Aaron is only the latest to depart. So, when season 7 opens, Aaron will already be gone. While the reasoning behind his exit is unknown ahead of the premiere, comments from the ABC police procedural’s showrunner, Alexi Hawley, regarding the matter are reassuring.
The Rookieseason 7, consisting of 18 episodes, premieres on Tuesday, August 14, 2025, at 10 pm ET on ABC.
Several villains threatened the team duringThe Rookieseason 6 finale, but most of the focus was on Monica Stevens. Unfortunately, by the end of the hour, Monica got away. Two othernotoriousThe Rookievillains— Oscar Hutchinson and Jason Wyler — broke out of prison in season 6’s last episode. When season 7 opens, the police officers and detectives will have a lot on their hands, butthey will have to get the job done and find the loose criminals without Valentino’s Aaron.
Tru Valentino’s Upcoming Exit From The Rookie Explained
Aaron Thorsen Won’t Appear In The Season 7 Premiere
Tru Valentino as Aaron, who was first introduced during the second episode of season 4, isexiting the series ahead ofThe Rookieseason 7 premiere(perTVLine). Consequently,the season 6 finale served as Valentino’s last episode.The actor never clearly stated why he decided to leave the show. However, soon after the announcement of his departure, Valentino wrote on hisInstagramstories, “I will always cherish my time onThe Rookiebut couldn’t be more excited for what the future has in store.”
Patrick Kelehe
Seth Ridley
Based on the actor’s comments,Valentino seemingly exitedThe Rookieto seek other opportunities or it was a creative decision by the writers (although the reasoning is still unconfirmed). Whatever the case, Aaron will be missing when season 7 opens. The good news is thatit’s quite unlikely thatThe Rookiewill kill off Valentino’s characteras the series has done to others who have left Mid-Wilshire.
The Rookie: 10 Missing Characters I’d Love To See Return In Season 7
When The Rookie finally returns with season 7 in 2025, the new episodes should bring back a handful of characters who haven’t been seen in a while.
The Possibility Of Aaron’s Return Makes Tru Valentino’s Exit Better
Aaron’s Departure Likely Isn’t Permanent
While speaking withScreen Rant,showrunner Alexi Hawley addressed Aaron’s exit beforeThe Rookieseason 7premiere. Thankfully, Hawley’s quote makes the character’s departure less concerning.When asked if the door remains open for Aaron to return,Hawley said:
“Of course. Tru [Valentino] is a great actor, and he was a huge part of our show for several seasons, and so we’d love to have him back in some capacity. It just ultimately felt like, creatively, for where the show was going, that we needed to pivot a bit. But he’s still very much alive in our universe.”
Aaron will not bedying duringThe Rookieseason 7 premiere.It’s still unknown why he leaves Mid-Wilshire(perhaps because he moves out of state or transfers stations), but fans worried about Aaron’s fate can rest easy. Plus, it sounds as if Aaron’s future inThe Rookieis still very much alive, meaning his return is imminent.
The Rookie
Cast
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
