The premiere of Season 8 of *The Rookie* has brought back one of the series’ most beloved running jokes: the song “Daddy Cop.” This humorous tune, introduced in Season 5, has become a staple throughout the show, much to the chagrin of character John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. Showrunner Alexi Hawley recently explained the origins of this revival during an interview with ScreenRant.
In the latest episode, which aired on October 16, 2023, several nods to past events punctuated the episode, including a scene that featured the reappearance of “Daddy Cop.” The song, originally performed by Rodge, has evolved into a running gag that continues to resonate with fans. Hawley described how the idea for its return emerged while scouting locations in Prague.
While discussing the show’s direction, Hawley recalled a suggestion from producing director Bill Roe. During their location scouting on the iconic Charles Bridge, Roe proposed the inclusion of local buskers, leading to the decision to feature a musician who happened to be a fan of the show. This musician was hired to perform the catchy tune, effectively tying the joke into the narrative.
The quirky song first made its debut in Season 5, Episode 13, when Rodge and his band observed Nolan and Celina during a traffic stop. Their playful inspiration for the song led to a series of humorous confrontations with Nolan, who found the song both catchy and irritating. The comedic tension increased when Rodge, who later developed a romantic relationship with Celina, would often hum the tune around Nolan, much to his annoyance.
In Season 6, Episode 2, Rodge attempted to showcase a new version of the song, further embedding it within the storyline. Following a tumultuous event in Season 7, Episode 10, where Rodge reconciled with Nolan after a prison incident related to one of his songs, it seemed he might approach his musical endeavors with more caution. The last appearance of Rodge occurred in Season 7, Episode 17, where he and Celina’s relationship had solidified, coinciding with his band’s preparations for a tour that included “Daddy Cop.”
The return of this song in Season 8 signifies its enduring presence in Nolan’s life, and the premiere suggests that its popularity is only set to grow. Hawley hinted at future appearances for “Daddy Cop,” noting the various ways it has already found its way into popular culture, from bumper stickers to spontaneous performances.
As the new season unfolds, fans can anticipate this comedic element continuing to play a role in Nolan’s journey on the force. The light-hearted nature of the song and its recurring presence underscores its significance in the storytelling of *The Rookie*. With Season 8 just beginning, the quirky, humorous undertones promise to keep viewers entertained while exploring Nolan’s adventures.
The show’s ongoing narrative highlights the interplay of humor and drama, making *The Rookie* a unique blend of genres. As audiences settle in for the latest chapter, they can look forward to more surprises and laughter, with “Daddy Cop” likely to remain a beloved element of the series for the foreseeable future.
