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Ramón Rodríguez's ‘Will Trent' Success Fuels Higher Calling: Elevating Latino Stories In Hollywood
Ramón Rodríguez's ‘Will Trent' Success Fuels Higher Calling: Elevating Latino Stories In Hollywood

Forbes

time11 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Forbes

Ramón Rodríguez's ‘Will Trent' Success Fuels Higher Calling: Elevating Latino Stories In Hollywood

Ramón Rodríguez on the set of "Will Trent," directing the premiere episode of season 3. Years of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creative growth are paying off for actor Ramón Rodríguez, whose hard work over the past two decades has paved the way for a breakthrough moment in his Hollywood journey. This year, he starred alongside Viola Davis in Amazon's action thriller G20, and his hit ABC series Will Trent has been renewed for a fourth season — marking the first time Rodríguez has returned to a show for so many years. But for him, this milestone goes far beyond personal achievement. 'It means we get to dive back into these amazing characters in this world, to get to collaborate again, and how can we find ways to continue to elevate the show, to deepen the storylines,' says an elated Rodríguez. "The team is excited​. The writers, the showrunner​s, we've been talking recently, and the wheels are starting to turn as we start sort of putting our gaze towards this next season." As both the star and an executive producer, Rodríguez influences every aspect of the series. 'I get to be as involved as I'd like to be, which is very much. It adds a lot more to my plate. Being the lead of a show takes up a lot of bandwidth,' he says. But it's a challenge he welcomes. 'To be able to get involved in story, concepts and ideas, scenes, story arcs, director conversations, who's going to be directing, the visual look of the show, the cuts, the music — all the fun, creative parts. It's something that turns me on very much.' L to R: ABC's 'Will Trent' stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Gina Rodriguez as Marion Alba, ... More Ramón Rodriguez as Will Trent, Bluebell as Betty, Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Rodríguez also made his directorial debut on Will Trent in season three, helming the premiere episode — a role he says he'll reprise next season. "Directing has always been a passion of mine, so to be able to do [that] But the actor is not just shaping a character. He's helping to redefine what's possible for Latino talent in Hollywood. 'It's quite the blessing. I'm really grateful,' he states. During a candid conversation from his home in Los Angeles, Rodríguez reflects on the journey that brought him here. Breaking Stereotypes: The Path to Will Trent Rodríguez began his career in Nike commercials, steadily working his way up in the film and television industry. Early on, he was often cast in Latino character roles on shows like HBO's The Wire and Fox's Gang Related. However, his versatility soon opened doors to more prominent parts, including main roles in series such as Marvel's Iron Fist and The Defenders. He also gained increasing visibility on the big screen, appearing in films like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Need for Speed. But his biggest break came when he landed the lead in Will Trent, whose loyal emotional companion is an adorable chihuahua named Betty, who often steals the show. Ramón Rodríguez in a scene from "Will Trent," with co-star Erika Christensen and his loyal ... More chihuahua, Betty. "Any role I've usually stepped into, especially later in my career, I never viewed them just as a Latino character," Rodriguez reflects. "They're people, they're human beings that have specific circumstances and history. And that, to me, is the compelling interest.' This philosophy has guided his approach to Will Trent, a character originally written without any specific ethnicity in Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, on which the show is based. In the procedural drama, Rodríguez brings to life a multi-layered and solemn character shaped by a traumatic childhood — abused within the foster care system, with no knowledge of his origins, and struggling with severe dyslexia. Yet, despite these challenges, Will Trent manages to overcome the odds and build a life for himself as a gifted agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, relying on his keen observational skills and unique ability to solve the most complex cases when no one else can. Rodríguez relished the opportunity to play a role defined by depth and humanity, not ethnicity. 'That's exciting when we get to start playing roles that just are people that don't have to be necessarily labeled and also personified as a Latino,' he explains. 'Will is an amazing opportunity for me in that way, because that's the only way I looked at him: as a person that grew up in the South, in Georgia. So that ended up really playing a role in every aspect of him — the way he sounds, the way he dresses, the way he looks, the way he behaves. He's not a Nuyorican like me. He's from the South, and so he should sound like that and feel like that.' Ramón Rodríguez and Gina Rodríguez in a scene from season 3 of "Will Trent." RAMÓN The evolution of Will's backstory and the character's heritage was organic, only revealed in episode 12 of the first season. 'He doesn't know about his history and where he comes from. So when he discovers about his mom, where she comes from, when he goes to Puerto Rico and learns more about where he's from, it's been a beautiful, natural progression of exploration for someone who doesn't know much about himself.' Although Will Trent is a fictional character, there are aspects that resonate with Rodríguez himself​: He's Puerto Rican​ and nd when it comes to his craft, he brings a laser focus and unwavering work ethic. 'I'm a big fan of prep. That's critical. I think that comes from my sports background, the preseason before the season, the practicing before the game day. I've applied that discipline and mentality throughout my life, which has been really wonderful,' he says. 'I know how hard I work. And with this show, I've put in a lot of sweat, along with many other people and the writers and all the directors that come.' Championing Authentic Storytelling and ​Business Case for Representation Rodríguez is candid about the challenges Latino creators face in Hollywood, but he's optimistic that the success of Will Trent can help shift perceptions. 'I want to continue telling stories — really rich, compelling stories… I want to really shine a light on our community and those stories that aren't being told, that I know are so fascinating. I know the audience is hungry for our stories to be told and to see themselves represented authentically,' although he emphasizes that he wants to "tell great stories in general, regardless of ethnicity." He acknowledges that authentic representation requires creators who can genuinely shape the narratives brought to the screen. 'We have amazing writers and directors and storytellers that I'd love to be able to give opportunities to. For instance, Episode 11 on Will Trent this season was written by a wonderful Puerto Rican writer we brought onto the writing staff, Rebeca Murga. She crushed it! And there are so many more like that,' he shares. 'Knowing the lack of opportunities, if I can be a part of helping expand that and open that door a bit more, that's something I'm really focused on.' Ramón Rodríguez directing the season 3 premiere episode of "Will Trent." He's determined to use the momentum from Will Trent to create new opportunities and find industry partners who see the value in the stories he wants to tell. 'I'm just looking to propel that, accelerate it, and just continue building that out until, hopefully, it's a bit more normalized to see our stories and to see Latino leads and Latino directors, writers, executives, and studio executives.' For the actor, that translates to opportunity, understanding value, and tapping into an under-served market. 'If it's strictly about economics and business,' he argues, 'there is so much money being left on the table.' Rodríguez points to data highlighting how Latinos consistently over-index in entertainment consumption. According to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Horowitz Research, Latinos account for 24​-29% of box office ticket sales and 24% of streaming users, despite representing only about 19% of the total U.S. population. ​A​iming Higher with Altura Productions Rodríguez's ambitions extend beyond his own acting career. Through his production company, Altura Productions — 'elevation' in Spanish, embodying his philosophy of rising above expectations, elevating creative standards, and amplifying underrepresented voices — he's determined to create more opportunities for Latino writers, directors, and storytellers. He's currently developing projects that showcase authentic Latino stories and experiences, including a documentary in post-production, as well as a TV series titled Nuyorican and a film in development. One of his most personal projects is a feature film titled Man Child, which he wrote and will direct. He describes it as a heartfelt story about a father and son loosely inspired by his New York - Puerto Rico upbringing. 'It's a drama, but it definitely has comedic elements," he shares. And since he grew up with music, it will play a big role. "My father was a composer, so I want to be able to incorporate salsa to today's present day sounds that are really just everywhere. I just think that's a great opportunity to infuse those worlds." Rodríguez points to how Latino music artists like Bad Bunny have taken the world by storm. "In my opinion, the music industry has really recognized the value," he states. "When you have these artists being number one, number two worldwide - streaming and their record selling or concert selling all around the world - it's almost like the music industry is ahead of the film and entertainment industry, which hopefully that changes. Hopefully we get to show our value in that market as well." As Will Trent continues to gain momentum, Rodríguez could earn his first Emmy nomination this year. Voting is underway​ and nominations will be announced July 15, 2025. ​But he remains grounded. 'I don't have any expectations. The one thing I can control — and I've learned that just being in the industry for a while — is my work. I can control the work I do. I know my work ethic and I know how hard I work… If we get a nomination, that would be fantastic. Regardless, I know I'm showing up to work and giving 100%.' For Rodríguez, the journey is about more than personal accolades​. It's about opening doors. As he continues to break barriers and create opportunities for others, he's ​i​ntent on prov​ing that the best way to change an industry is from the inside out, one compelling story at a time. To watch the extended interview with Ramón Rodríguez click here.

Will Trent Season 4: Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next
Will Trent Season 4: Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next

Business Upturn

time12-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Business Upturn

Will Trent Season 4: Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next

By Aman Shukla Published on June 12, 2025, 19:00 IST Last updated June 12, 2025, 12:07 IST The gripping ABC crime drama Will Trent , based on Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, has captivated audiences with its intense mysteries and complex characters. After a thrilling Season 3 finale, fans are eagerly awaiting news about Will Trent Season 4. Here's everything we know so far about the release date, cast updates, and what to expect next from Special Agent Will Trent and his team at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Will Trent Season 4 Release Date Rumours ABC officially renewed Will Trent for a fourth season on April 3, 2025, ensuring the show's return as a midseason premiere in early 2026. While an exact premiere date hasn't been confirmed, industry sources suggest a January or February 2026 launch, aligning with the show's previous midseason patterns. Seasons 1 and 3 premiered in January, and Season 2 debuted in February, so this timeline seems plausible. Cast Updates for Will Trent Season 4 The core cast is expected to return, though Season 3's cliffhangers left some characters' fates uncertain. Here's who we anticipate seeing: Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent: The dyslexic GBI agent remains the heart of the show, with Rodríguez likely directing an episode, possibly the season opener. as Will Trent: The dyslexic GBI agent remains the heart of the show, with Rodríguez likely directing an episode, possibly the season opener. Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski: Angie's choice to keep her baby with Seth may shift her dynamic with Will, but she's expected to return. as Angie Polaski: Angie's choice to keep her baby with Seth may shift her dynamic with Will, but she's expected to return. Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell: Will's loyal partner will likely explore new personal and professional challenges. as Faith Mitchell: Will's loyal partner will likely explore new personal and professional challenges. Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood: After collapsing in the finale, Ormewood's survival is uncertain, but his fan-favorite status suggests a return. as Michael Ormewood: After collapsing in the finale, Ormewood's survival is uncertain, but his fan-favorite status suggests a return. Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner: The GBI deputy director's life hangs in the balance after surgery, making her return a key question. as Amanda Wagner: The GBI deputy director's life hangs in the balance after surgery, making her return a key question. Yul Vazquez as Sheriff Caleb Broussard: As Will's newly revealed father, his role is expected to grow significantly. What to Expect from Will Trent Season 4 Season 3's shocking twists set up a dramatic Season 4. Here's what fans can look forward to: 1. Will's Family Ties The discovery that Sheriff Caleb is Will's biological father will drive major storylines. Expect Will to wrestle with trust issues and explore this new relationship, possibly uncovering more family secrets, like a potential half-sibling. 2. Resolving Cliffhangers Amanda's gunshot wound and Ormewood's health crisis will be addressed early in Season 4. Their survival will shape the team's dynamics, especially for Faith, who shares close bonds with both. 3. Angie's New Path Angie's decision to raise her child with Seth likely ends her romance with Will. Season 4 will explore her journey into motherhood and her role at the GBI, while Will navigates his feelings. 4. Intense New Cases As a police procedural, Season 4 will deliver gripping investigations, potentially involving political scandals, gang conflicts, or high-stakes threats. Will's sharp investigative skills and action-driven sequences will keep viewers on edge. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at

How 'Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer
How 'Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer

Yahoo

time04-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

How 'Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer

ABC's "Will Trent" is no ordinary police procedural. "There's a thousand cop shows," said Ramón Rodriguez, who portrays the show's main character, Will Trent. "How do you make this one stand out?" The broadcast drama series, which also airs on Hulu, centers special agent Trent: a dapper investigator whose instinctual crime-solving skills render him essential to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. But beneath the three-piece suit, there's a more complex side to Trent, who navigates the residual trauma from being abandoned at birth and growing up in the Atlanta foster care system. He is also dyslexic. "One of the exciting things when I came onto the show was not knowing where this character was from," said Rodriguez, 45. "Trent was very much [written as] a colorless character." Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez greeted me on a Zoom call from his present home in Southern California, while wearing a New York Knicks cap. Before "Will Trent," he previously played the first main Hispanic character on the HBO series "The Wire," and appeared in films such as 2009's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "G20," a thriller featuring Viola Davis, which premiered April 10 on Amazon Prime Video. Since the 2023 premiere of "Will Trent," Rodriguez has molded his beloved character in many ways; he's a hard-nosed detective with a mushy side, which is most evident in scenes with his pocket-sized chihuahua named Betty. Based on Karin Slaughter's New York Times-bestselling novel series "Will Trent," showrunners Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen organically tailored the titular role to reflect Rodriguez's real-life Puerto Rican identity. It's a major win for Latinos in an industry that otherwise lacks Latino-led programming. "Once we run out of feeling fresh, creative, excited and inspired, then I think we start phoning it in," said Rodriguez. "But that's something I'm not interested in and I know my partners aren't either." Rodriguez has taken on roles behind the camera as well. He directed "I'm a Guest Here," the first episode of Season 3, which wrapped earlier this month; he was also named an executive producer. "I really wanted to be a part of the creative collaboration of creating this character in this show," said Rodriguez. When Season 3 dropped a bombshell regarding Trent's biological father, it paved the way for a nail-biting Season 4, which was confirmed earlier this year. This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity. It also reveals Season 3 spoilers. In the books, Will Trent isn't Puerto Rican, but this series is peeking into your own Puerto Rican identity. What are your thoughts on that? It was a topic that they were curious about exploring. Where does Will come from as an orphan who grew up in the foster care system? Identity becomes a focal point for someone like that. Again [him being Puerto Rican] isn't in the books, which is kind of exciting. We've been able to separate and say that the books are the books. It wasn't something that we were trying to sort of check a box and say, "Great, Will's heritage is Puerto Rican." It was a very organic explanation of this character discovering who he is. When you were cast for the lead, did you ever picture the show as what it is today? You never know what's gonna work and why it's gonna work. You don't have control of a lot of things in this business. The one thing I do have control over is my work, what I can bring to it, what I try to do. This is the first time I've been on a show that's gone on for this long from the pilot. If you would've asked me that, is this gonna be the show that goes past one season? I probably would've said, "I don't think so." And it's nothing against the show, you just don't know. It took a minute for me to be fully convinced, but I'm so grateful that they were willing to continue having conversations with me and that they were really willing to have me on as a partner because that was important to me. It doesn't feel like the show hinges on those elements of identity. Why is it important to keep that balance in this procedural show? [Solving cases is] another aspect of the show that I know audiences love. I just think the things that tend to pull our hearts to the things that are emotional and personal things, what someone's struggling with or how are they overcoming it. In Season 3, we have a really pivotal moment where Will accidentally shoots a bad guy, but ends up killing a young boy by accident. That case ended up changing the rest of the season — he was not able to recover from that event of having the boy die in his arms. That was Episode 11 and that will likely go into Season 4. Your dog Betty also shines in Season 3. We get to hear her voice for the first time which happens during a fun hallucination scene. What was it like to film that episode? That was two episodes after this tragic episode I just described, which is crazy, right? We wanted to mix levity and humor with our heavy drama and emotional stuff. So as Will was entering this case that involved a cult, he gets caught undercover and in that process he gets drugged. Liz Heldens, one of our showrunners, had been dying to find a way to get me to dance on this show, and I was like "Listen: Will Trent is an awkward individual, he's not someone that's out here dancing." She was like, "Well, what if that's a hallucination?" I was like, "That's brilliant!" Anything can happen while he's tripping. I remember I was walking on set and one of our production assistants, Tim, had read the script and said, "What if Betty talks?" So I pitched that to Liz and she topped it and went, "Well, what if Betty's British?" You made your directorial debut in Season 3. How was that experience for you? I felt like a kid in a candy store. By Season 3, I really understood the character and what works with our show, where our strengths are. I just got to be me in certain scenes, because at the start of the [third] season Will has left the [Georgia Bureau of Investigation], he's got a beard and he's in a T-shirt, jeans and curly hair. It was also fun to direct new cast members. We introduced Gina Rodriguez, who played Marion Alba, and Antwayn Hopper, who played Rafel Wexford. Which was really fun. I'd be like: "No notes." [Laughs.] Will you be directing in Season 4? I will definitely be directing at least one episode next season. It makes the most sense for me to direct the premiere as I did this past season. I love that pressure of having to set the bar for a season. What can audiences expect for the upcoming season? We're about to begin these serious conversations. There were some pretty serious cliffhangers at the end of Season 3, where we find out Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen) is pregnant, and Will is definitely not the father, so that's gonna be something to explore. Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn), who is a maternal figure for Will, is in the hospital bed. We just discovered his dad, [Sheriff Caleb Roussard], which we don't know too much about, so I'd want to know more about the character and what happened with the mom. There's just so many questions that we will get to explore — I mean, is there new love in Will's life? Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

How ‘Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer
How ‘Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer

Los Angeles Times

time02-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Los Angeles Times

How ‘Will Trent' star Ramón Rodriguez became an industry game-changer

ABC's 'Will Trent' is no ordinary police procedural. 'There's a thousand cop shows,' said Ramón Rodriguez, who portrays the show's main character, Will Trent. 'How do you make this one stand out?' The broadcast drama series, which also airs on Hulu, centers special agent Trent: a dapper investigator whose instinctual crime-solving skills render him essential to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. But beneath the three-piece suit, there's a more complex side to Trent, who navigates the residual trauma from being abandoned at birth and growing up in the Atlanta foster care system. He is also dyslexic. 'One of the exciting things when I came onto the show was not knowing where this character was from,' said Rodriguez, 45. 'Trent was very much [written as] a colorless character.' Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez greeted me on a Zoom call from his present home in Southern California, while wearing a New York Knicks cap. Before 'Will Trent,' he previously played the first main Hispanic character on the HBO series 'The Wire,' and appeared in films such as 2009's 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' and 'G20,' a thriller featuring Viola Davis, which premiered April 10 on Amazon Prime Video. Since the 2023 premiere of 'Will Trent,' Rodriguez has molded his beloved character in many ways; he's a hard-nosed detective with a mushy side, which is most evident in scenes with his pocket-sized chihuahua named Betty. Based on Karin Slaughter's New York Times-bestselling novel series 'Will Trent,' showrunners Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen organically tailored the titular role to reflect Rodriguez's real-life Puerto Rican identity. It's a major win for Latinos in an industry that otherwise lacks Latino-led programming. 'Once we run out of feeling fresh, creative, excited and inspired, then I think we start phoning it in,' said Rodriguez. 'But that's something I'm not interested in and I know my partners aren't either.' Rodriguez has taken on roles behind the camera as well. He directed 'I'm a Guest Here,' the first episode of Season 3, which wrapped earlier this month; he was also named an executive producer. 'I really wanted to be a part of the creative collaboration of creating this character in this show,' said Rodriguez. When Season 3 dropped a bombshell regarding Trent's biological father, it paved the way for a nail-biting Season 4, which was confirmed earlier this year. This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity. It also reveals Season 3 spoilers. In the books, Will Trent isn't Puerto Rican, but this series is peeking into your own Puerto Rican identity. What are your thoughts on that? It was a topic that they were curious about exploring. Where does Will come from as an orphan who grew up in the foster care system? Identity becomes a focal point for someone like that. Again [him being Puerto Rican] isn't in the books, which is kind of exciting. We've been able to separate and say that the books are the books. It wasn't something that we were trying to sort of check a box and say, 'Great, Will's heritage is Puerto Rican.' It was a very organic explanation of this character discovering who he is. When you were cast for the lead, did you ever picture the show as what it is today? You never know what's gonna work and why it's gonna work. You don't have control of a lot of things in this business. The one thing I do have control over is my work, what I can bring to it, what I try to do. This is the first time I've been on a show that's gone on for this long from the pilot. If you would've asked me that, is this gonna be the show that goes past one season? I probably would've said, 'I don't think so.' And it's nothing against the show, you just don't know. It took a minute for me to be fully convinced, but I'm so grateful that they were willing to continue having conversations with me and that they were really willing to have me on as a partner because that was important to me. It doesn't feel like the show hinges on those elements of identity. Why is it important to keep that balance in this procedural show? [Solving cases is] another aspect of the show that I know audiences love. I just think the things that tend to pull our hearts to the things that are emotional and personal things, what someone's struggling with or how are they overcoming it. In Season 3, we have a really pivotal moment where Will accidentally shoots a bad guy, but ends up killing a young boy by accident. That case ended up changing the rest of the season — he was not able to recover from that event of having the boy die in his arms. That was Episode 11 and that will likely go into Season 4. Your dog Betty also shines in Season 3. We get to hear her voice for the first time which happens during a fun hallucination scene. What was it like to film that episode? That was two episodes after this tragic episode I just described, which is crazy, right? We wanted to mix levity and humor with our heavy drama and emotional stuff. So as Will was entering this case that involved a cult, he gets caught undercover and in that process he gets drugged. Liz Heldens, one of our showrunners, had been dying to find a way to get me to dance on this show, and I was like 'Listen: Will Trent is an awkward individual, he's not someone that's out here dancing.' She was like, 'Well, what if that's a hallucination?' I was like, 'That's brilliant!' Anything can happen while he's tripping. I remember I was walking on set and one of our production assistants, Tim, had read the script and said, 'What if Betty talks?' So I pitched that to Liz and she topped it and went, 'Well, what if Betty's British?' You made your directorial debut in Season 3. How was that experience for you? I felt like a kid in a candy store. By Season 3, I really understood the character and what works with our show, where our strengths are. I just got to be me in certain scenes, because at the start of the [third] season Will has left the [Georgia Bureau of Investigation], he's got a beard and he's in a T-shirt, jeans and curly hair. It was also fun to direct new cast members. We introduced Gina Rodriguez, who played Marion Alba, and Antwayn Hopper, who played Rafel Wexford. Which was really fun. I'd be like: 'No notes.' [Laughs.] Will you be directing in Season 4? I will definitely be directing at least one episode next season. It makes the most sense for me to direct the premiere as I did this past season. I love that pressure of having to set the bar for a season. What can audiences expect for the upcoming season? We're about to begin these serious conversations. There were some pretty serious cliffhangers at the end of Season 3, where we find out Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen) is pregnant, and Will is definitely not the father, so that's gonna be something to explore. Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn), who is a maternal figure for Will, is in the hospital bed. We just discovered his dad, [Sheriff Caleb Roussard], which we don't know too much about, so I'd want to know more about the character and what happened with the mom. There's just so many questions that we will get to explore — I mean, is there new love in Will's life?

'The Rookie' Fans Demand ABC "Fix This" After Shocking Season 8 Change Is Revealed
'The Rookie' Fans Demand ABC "Fix This" After Shocking Season 8 Change Is Revealed

Yahoo

time20-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

'The Rookie' Fans Demand ABC "Fix This" After Shocking Season 8 Change Is Revealed

The Rookie season 8 is officially in the works — but fans are not happy about a surprise update on when it's supposed to air. The ABC drama wrapped up airing season 7 in May, and fans have been wondering when they'll get to see more of the folks working at LAPD Mid-Wilshire. Well, ABC shared an upsetting update during the network's 2025 upfronts, revealing that The Rookie season 8 will premiere in midseason 2026. And if that wasn't enough, the network confirmed the news about The Rookie by posting a look at its official fall 2025 lineup on Instagram on May 13. "The fall you want with the shows you need," read the caption. While shows like Abbott Elementary, 9-1-1 and its spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville were all listed as shows airing this fall, The Rookie fans were not thrilled that the show wasn't on the lineup. As a result, they made sure to voice their frustration about the season 8 release date in the comments. "ABC why do you hate the rookie so much?" one person lamented. "You still have time to fix this and add the rookie back to the fall schedule," another agreed. "No it's not because you're holding the rookie until mid season again," a different follower added. Despite The Rookie season 8 not premiering until next year, TV Line did explain the reason behind the move. The outlet noted both The Rookie and Will Trent season 4 will air on ABC sometime in the winter of 2026, and each show will have "uninterrupted" 18-episode seasons instead of taking breaks if they aired in the fall. This also repeats a similar pattern both shows had in the winter of 2025, when The Rookie season 7 and Will Trent season 3 had a consistent episode schedule throughout. Even though it's going to be a bit of a wait, at least we know we'll get to see our favorite police officers back at work! You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper

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