Exclusive

‘The Rookie’ Cast Talks Romance & Danger for Chenford and Nolan & Bailey

Jenna Dewan as Bailey, Nathan Fillion as Nolan — 'The Rookie' Season 8 Episode 4
Disney/Mike Taing

How much time will there be for romance when The Rookie Season 9 premieres on January 6? Well, first of all, the pair that just got engaged is in some serious danger! Lucy (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim (Eric Winter) were kidnapped moments after she said yes … and the two-part premiere will address that.

But when it comes to romance? Well, “Who knows what even happens with them,” O’Neil tells us in the video (below) from our New York Comic Con studio (it’s just a tease, there’s more to come!). “I hope they make it,” adds Nathan Fillion, looking directly into the camera as everyone laughs.

And O’Neil makes sure to stress that just because Eric Winter wasn’t there (“Some of us are busy”) doesn’t mean there’s (necessarily) reason to worry about his fate.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Swooon (@swooondotcom)

As for Nolan and Bailey (Jenna Dewan, who’s also currently competing on Dancing With the Stars), Fillion teases, “Romance can be born of danger, and I think of all the couples here, I think Nolan and Bailey have their share of dangerous situations that they get into.”

That comes after a somewhat rocky season for the couple last year. They were long distance for a bit when she took a job in D.C., but after a brief stay on the east coast, she moved home and they were as solid as ever by the finale.

Watch the video above and be sure to stay tuned for more Rookie Season 9 scoop out of New York Comic Con from our interview with Fillion, O’Neil, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Shawn Ashmore, Lisseth Chavez, Deric Augustine, Jay Ellis (from The Rookie: North, premiering the same night), and showrunner (of both!) Alexi Hawley.

The Rookie, Season 9 Premiere, Wednesday, January 6, 2027, 9/8c, ABC