John Nolan has had several romances over the course of The Rookie, with some being much more beloved than others. How do they all stack up?
The Rookie is an outstanding crime procedural with an intriguing twist — but who does Nolan end up with in The Rookie? Starring powerhouse Nathan Fillion in the leading role, The Rookie follows John Nolan, a man in his 40s who has decided to finally follow his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Nolan becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department, but this doesn’t slow him down when it comes to solving crime. In addition to fighting crime, John Nolan has had several romantic storylines, and he is just as dedicated to his relationships as he is to the LAPD.
Relationships don’t always work out, and while it’s heartbreaking, it’s often for the better. There are several great couples in The Rookie, as well as those who had fans campaigning for a breakup. Nolan hasn’t always had the best luck when it comes to matters of the heart, but some of his relationships are more successful than others. As a 45-year-old newly divorced man, Nolan has trouble dating in such a different environment than he’s used to, which causes a fair few funny mishaps and plenty of relatable moments for anyone who is single. So, who does Nolan end up with in The Rookie?
5. Lucy Chen
While Lucy is easily the most likable character in The Rookie, her romance with Nolan is a facet of the show that most viewers don’t care to dwell on, and thankfully she’s not the answer to “who does Nolan end up with in The Rookie?”. Out of all of the John Nolan love interests, their relationship is the most forced from the beginning, and their chemistry is simply non-existent. Lucy and Nolan fall for one another at the police academy and continue to date in secret after becoming rookies at Mid-Wilshire.
The two only break up to protect Lucy’s career, but she eventually comes to realize she shouldn’t let the opinions of others dictate her actions. Regardless of her development, their feelings for each other haven’t been revisited since the first season. In fact, it’s easy to forget they dated at all. Nolan and Lucy’s relationship takes such a platonic turn, it almost seems as if the show is actively trying to erase their history.
4. Sarah Nolan
Viewers first learn about Nolan’s ex-wife during the pilot, but Sarah doesn’t make an in-person appearance until season 3’s “Brave Heart.” In terms of “who does Nolan end up with in The Rookie?” the answer is thankfully not his ex-wife. Emily Deschanel was a phenomenal choice for the role, as her show Bones and Fillion’s Castle were both major crime dramas airing during the same time period. The leads finally get to share the screen, even if the circumstances are less than ideal.
In one of the most tear-jerking episodes of the series, Nolan and Sarah are forced to stand idly by while their son fights for his life. With Henry being the only thing that ties them together, it’s clear that the two aren’t compatible. They only got together when Sarah had fallen pregnant and John mentions in the pilot that he had seen the divorce coming for about two years. However, the actors play off of each other well, and it could be entertaining to further explore their onscreen dynamic.
3. Grace Sawyer
Grace isn’t the most popular character among viewers, but her relationship with Nolan has a complicated history. While Nolan and Sarah have better onscreen chemistry, their marriage came from a place of obligation. The couple parts ways after high school, as Nolan falls for Grace during college. However, Sarah’s unexpected pregnancy changes everything.
Although his heart lies with Grace, Nolan marries Sarah, so they can raise Henry together. Grace and Nolan’s love story is left unfinished, so it’s only fair that the show gives them a second chance. Much of Nolan’s character arc in The Rookieseason 2 is linked to his old flame, making their relationship a pretty significant one. The two clearly aren’t meant to be, as Grace inevitably decides to rekindle her romance with her ex Simon, meaning the answer to “who does Nolan end up with on The Rookie?” isn’t Grace, but they no longer have to spend decades wondering “what if.”
2. Jessica Russo
Jessica has always been a good match for Nolan and the couple showed serious long-term potential. Not even Grace reentering Nolan’s life breaks them apart, as the bond they form is difficult to compete with. However, in terms of the question “who does Nolan end up with in The Rookie?”, it’s not Jessica. Nolan and Jessica are forced to overcome several obstacles, but they always come out stronger on the other side. They split due to circumstances outside of their control, which only makes their ending all the more heartbreaking.
Jessica realizes that she wants to be a mom, and fears she’s running out of time to make it happen. Because Nolan has just uprooted his life to begin a new career, he isn’t in the right place to raise a child. He’s already a father and doesn’t feel the immediate need to expand his family. Unfortunately, Jessica can’t afford to wait until Nolan is ready, causing them to call things off. Although their breakup is upsetting, as she was definitely the audience-favorite The Rookie Nolan girlfriend, it’s better they split amicably than risk resenting each other down the line.
1. Bailey Nune
Not only is Bailey Nolan’s best love interest, but she’s also exactly what fans needed in The Rookie season 4 and 5, and Bailey is who Nolan ends up with in The Rookie. Her storyline is often independent of Nolan, and she seamlessly fits into the narrative. Bailey isn’t reduced to the main character’s love interest — she just happens to be in a relationship with him. Her job as a firefighter and past in the army reserve makes her heavy presence in the show organic and believable. First responders work together more often than not, and Nolan and Bailey are able to interact both on and off the clock.
Out of all of the John Nolan love interests, Nolan’s romance with Bailey appears to be the most promising, and season 5 saw the couple getting engaged. She’s the most stable love interest he’s had throughout The Rookie, and it’s hard to imagine them breaking up. The couple faces plenty of issues but is always on each other’s side at the end of the day. Nolan stands by Bailey when her husband tries to frame her, and Bailey supports Nolan in whatever he chooses to take on next. Hopefully, The Rookieseason 6 could see a wedding between the two.
