The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17 Preview: Dead Ringer
As Nolan and Harper team up, Grey and Garza debate next steps with Monica on The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17, “Dead Ringer.”
The season’s penultimate episode seems to want to lean heavily on raising the tensions with Monica. The Rookie Season 8 Episode 16, “Out of Time,” elevates those stakes when Monica manipulates Aiden into killing his right-hand man.
Now, it looks like Monica will turn to Malcolm Walsh. In the promo video, she says, “The task force was surveilling me. And they know I’m trying to get out.”
Monica has that new deal with Aiden that’s supposedly meant to help her escape. But the promotional materials for “Dead Ringer” tease that this could be the episode where the team finally arrests Monica.
It wouldn’t be shocking if The Rookie were to end its penultimate episode on a cliffhanger there, leaving the season finale to reveal the truth.
Then again, this season does have multiple season-long arcs with antagonistic figures to wrap up. Liam Glasser is still out there pulling strings. He tells Nolan, “Thanks again for saving my life yesterday. Whatever happens next, it’s on you.”
Meanwhile, Nolan’s time in this episode appears to be with Nyla, mostly about helping a desperate mom protect her child. Could it be Glasser’s ex-wife, Miranda? There’s not much to gon in the promotional materials. However, they do reveal that Tru Valentino is back as Aaron Thorsen, which is a major win.
Here’s everything you need to know about this episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17 Details
- Title: “Dead Ringer”
- Air Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
- Time: 10/9c
- Network: ABC
How to Watch The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17
- Live: ABC at 10/9c
- Streaming: Available next day on Hulu
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17 Description
Nolan and Harper try to help a desperate mother protect her child, while Lt. Grey and Garza continue to work with Monica despite their misgivings.
Guest Stars & Returning Characters
- Cast: Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez, and Deric Augustine as Miles Penn
- Guest Stars: Seth Gabel, Bridget Regan, Sean Patrick Thomas
- Notable Returns: Tru Valentino
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from The Rookie Season 8 Episode 17:
Promo Video:
What are your hopes for this episode of The Rookie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
The Rookie airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.