The eighth season of *The Rookie* premiered with a nostalgic nod to its past, reintroducing the fan-favorite running joke known as “Daddy Cop.” Showrunner Alexi Hawley explained the return of this comedic element during an interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender, providing insight into how the joke made its way back into the storyline.
In the premiere episode of season 8, viewers were treated to multiple references to earlier events in the series, including the humorous song “Daddy Cop,” which was first introduced in season 5. This catchy tune, performed by the character Rodge, humorously chronicled the exploits of John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. The song has become a recurring theme throughout the series, often surfacing at inconvenient moments for Nolan, much to his chagrin.
During the interview, Hawley shared that while scouting locations in Prague, he collaborated with Zander Hawley, the actor who plays Rodge. The idea to integrate the song again stemmed from a suggestion by producing director Bill Roe. “We were up on the Charles Bridge, and there were a bunch of buskers, and he said, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny?’ And I’m like, ‘Yes, it would,'” Hawley recounted. This led to the hiring of a local musician who was a fan of the show to perform the song in the episode.
The original rendition of “Daddy Cop” was featured in season 5, episode 13, where Rodge and his band used Nolan as inspiration for their humorous lyrics during a traffic stop. This initial portrayal led to several confrontations between Nolan and Rodge, especially as Rodge’s relationship with Celina deepened, and she frequently hummed the song around Nolan. The ongoing dynamic between these characters has kept the tune in the spotlight.
As the series progressed, Rodge’s character evolved, culminating in a romantic relationship with Celina, which further cemented “Daddy Cop” as a humorous touchpoint in Nolan’s life. In season 7, episode 10, Rodge reconciled with Nolan after a comedic mishap involving a prisoner and one of his songs, signaling a shift in his approach to songwriting.
The eighth season’s premiere not only revived “Daddy Cop,” but hinted at its growing popularity. Hawley noted, “It’s out in the world in a big way. It’s funny to see where it pops up.” He mentioned sightings of the song’s lyrics in various forms, including bumper stickers and even being played at events in Washington, D.C.
While Hawley did not disclose specific plans for how “Daddy Cop” will feature in upcoming episodes, he acknowledged the potential for it to become more prominent. As the latest season unfolds, the parody song stands a chance of achieving greater fame, possibly even making a chart appearance.
As *The Rookie* continues to develop its narrative, the enduring presence of “Daddy Cop” suggests that Nolan’s journey is far from over, with the humorous undertone likely to persist throughout his time on the force. For fans, the return of this beloved joke is a reminder of the series’ ability to blend comedy and drama, ensuring that laughter remains a part of Nolan’s story for the foreseeable future.
