Nathan Fillion wants Pete Davidson to return in The Rookie season 8, citing Davidson’s unique impact on the show and expressing excitement about working with him again. As The Rookie continues to attract attention for its ensemble cast and guest stars, Fillion’s comments highlight why Davidson’s return could bring renewed energy and surprises to the upcoming season.
Why Pete Davidson Made an Impression on The Rookie
The ABC series The Rookie has thrived since its 2018 debut by maintaining a strong group of core characters, with Nathan Fillion portraying John Nolan, but it relies on dynamic guest stars to keep the stories engaging. Over the years, figures like Flula Borg’s Skip Tracer Randy have injected chaos and humor into the mix, while villains such as Matthew Glave’s Oscar Hutchinson have given the show gripping storylines, especially evident in the action-packed season 7 finale.
Of all the guest stars, Pete Davidson stands out for having made a lasting impression on both fans and main cast members. Davidson first appeared as Pete Nolan, John Nolan’s half-brother, in three episodes, and quickly became a favorite due to his offbeat charm and the natural chemistry he shared with Fillion. Reflecting on their interactions, Fillion revealed in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter:
“One of the people I had the most fun with is Pete Davidson, whom I met on The Suicide Squad. When I first met him, I thought, ‘He and I are probably not going to be best pals.’ And within four minutes, I was embarrassed and ashamed because I’d judged a book by its cover. He’s an incredibly kind man. Within two or three days, I invited him to do an episode, and he graciously accepted.”
—Nathan Fillion, Actor
Fillion went on to praise Davidson’s contribution to the show, saying,
“brings a flavor to the character that’s realistic.”
—Nathan Fillion, Actor
Davidson’s guest spots offered a comedic contrast to the more earnest nature of John Nolan, as Pete Nolan brought impulsive and lighthearted qualities that spiced up the dynamic between the half-brothers. Many fans believe season 8 could benefit from at least one more appearance by Davidson, especially if the character’s return involves deeper involvement in Nolan’s cases or personal life. Suggestions include Pete stepping into a supportive role, perhaps helping Nolan navigate a rocky stretch in his relationship with Bailey Nune (played by Jenna Dewan), provided Pete’s character shows signs of maturity and growth.
According to showrunner Alexi Hawley, while there is interest in bringing Davidson back, the final decision depends largely on Davidson’s demanding schedule and availability. Still, the hope remains that these two half-brothers will reunite on screen, offering more heartfelt and humorous moments to The Rookie’s audience.
Pete Davidson’s Other Television Work and Future Projects
Pete Davidson is known for bringing aspects of his real-life persona into his TV roles, most notably starring as himself in the Peacock series Bupkis. Davidson not only led the show, but also co-wrote it alongside a celebrated cast including Joe Pesci, Edie Falco, Chase Sui Wonders, Brad Garrett, Philip Ettinger, and Bobby Cannavale. The series portrayed slice-of-life stories, from moving back to Staten Island to grappling with major life events such as the loss of a parent and debates over starting a family. Despite initial plans for a second season, Davidson chose not to continue with the series, as reported by Deadline.
Beyond Bupkis, Davidson took part in other television appearances, such as making a cameo in The Kardashians in 2022 and starring in an episode of Netflix’s Murderville titled
“Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery.”
While his television appearances have tapered, IMDb lists Davidson’s next big project as The Home, a horror film set to stream on Max. In this movie, Davidson plays a man employed at a retirement home who uncovers unsettling secrets about his colleagues and the institution.
The Impact of Returning Guest Stars on The Rookie
Fans of The Rookie have long appreciated the variety brought by returning guest characters. Regular appearances from unique personalities like Davidson’s Pete Nolan prevent the show from becoming predictable, as recurring guests often drive narrative twists and provide emotional depth. With such diversity in casting, The Rookie continues to offer compelling television, whether bringing back notable villains like Oscar Hutchinson for climactic finales or exploring the comedic chemistry between siblings like John and Pete Nolan.
As the show heads into its eighth season after a dramatic season 7 finale, speculation about Pete Davidson’s return reflects how integral well-chosen guest stars are to The Rookie’s identity. Nathan Fillion’s enthusiasm for working with Davidson, coupled with the creative possibilities for character development, signals potential for memorable episodes ahead, should scheduling align for Davidson’s comeback.
The Rookie remains a strong player in ABC’s lineup, due to its compelling mix of mainstays such as Melissa O’Neil’s Lucy Chen, beloved guest stars, and storylines that balance high-stakes drama with moments of levity. The possibility of Pete Davidson’s return exemplifies the type of surprises that have kept viewers engaged over multiple seasons and could ensure The Rookie’s continued success into the future.
