With The Rookie Season 7 scheduled to premiere in a few days, fans are wondering who left the cast and why, and who joined it. Created by Alexi Hawley, the series follows John Nolan (played by Nathan Fillion), a small-town man from Pennsylvania who relocates to Los Angeles and becomes an LAPD officer. His journey begins nine months after he helps authorities thwart a bank robbery in his hometown of Foxburg.

Here is who left and who joined The Rookie’s cast in Season 7.

Who left The Rookie’s cast in Season 7 and why?

Tru Valentino, who played Aaron Thorsen as a recurring cast member in The Rookie Season 4 and as a series regular for Seasons 5-6 will not be returning in Season 7.

Valentino opened up about his absence as a regular in Season 7 via Instagram stories but did not offer an exact reason for his departure. However, he did not rule out a future return when he said, “You never know who may pop back up in the Mid-Wilshire Precinct.” (via TVInsider)

Series creator Alexi Hawley, also mentioned in a Screenrant interview that he would love to see Valentino reprise his role in the future in some capacity. He added that his exit was due to the current creative direction pursued by the series.

Who joined The Rookie Season 7’s cast?

The Rookie Season 7 has added three new cast members, Deric Augustine, Patrick Keleher, and Ivan Hernandez.

Deric Augustine will essay Miles, an LAPD cop who has transferred from Texas, and is a rookie despite his two-year veteran experience. Augustine is known for his roles in shows like All American, Shameless, and more.

Patrick Keleher will portray Seth. His character description as per Variety, is that of a new rookie who seems to be an “ideal police officer,” but struggles when it comes to quick and decisive action. This series will be Keleher’s debut in television.

Ivan Hernandez, best known for his role as Carrie Bradshaw’s love interest in And Just Like That…, will play Detective Graham. According to showrunner Alexi Hawley in a TVLine Q&A, Graham will be a “personal obstacle” to Shawn Ashmore’s Wesley Evers, albeit in a “fun way.”