Bridget Regan Opens Up About Saying Goodbye to The Rookie After Four Memorable Seasons

For years, fans of The Rookie have joked that John Nolan can hardly still be called a “rookie.” After all, Nathan Fillion’s beloved character has now spent eight seasons wearing the LAPD badge, making him one of television’s most experienced “rookies” ever. But the longevity of the hit ABC drama has also allowed the series to create something every great procedural needs: unforgettable recurring villains.

Few antagonists left a bigger mark on The Rookie than Monica Stevens, brilliantly portrayed by Bridget Regan.

Introduced in Season 5, Monica quickly established herself as one of the show’s most dangerous and unpredictable players. A sharp, manipulative defense attorney with questionable morals, Monica first appeared as the legal representative for crime boss Elijah Stone. To make matters even more complicated, she also shared a complicated romantic history with Wesley Evers, one of the series’ most beloved characters.

What began as a recurring role soon evolved into one of the show’s most compelling long-term storylines.

Across four seasons, Monica repeatedly outsmarted both criminals and law enforcement, managing to escape seemingly impossible situations time and time again. Whether she was making shady deals, avoiding prison, or narrowly surviving deadly confrontations, Monica always found a way to stay one step ahead. Her intelligence, ruthlessness, and survival instincts made her a fan-favorite villain — even when viewers loved to hate her.

However, every lucky streak eventually comes to an end.

By Season 8, Monica had found herself in perhaps her most precarious position yet, attempting to secure immunity by cooperating with the government. But in the penultimate episode, “Dead Ringer,” her extraordinary run finally came to an end.

Speaking with TV Insider, Bridget Regan admitted that while she was saddened by Monica’s departure, she wasn’t exactly shocked.

“I was thrilled that she lasted as long as she did,” Regan explained. “If you play with fire as long as Monica has, eventually you’re going to get burned.”

The actress even joked that Monica had long surpassed the typical number of lives granted to fictional villains.

“She’s not on her ninth life,” Regan said. “She’s on her 37th. She’s escaped multiple assassinations, prison time, and even being thrown in a wood chipper.”

Despite saying goodbye to the character, Regan looks back on her four-year journey with nothing but appreciation.

“When her number was finally up, I wasn’t surprised. I thought, ‘Fair enough.’ She’s had an amazing run, four years on this show. I’m only filled with gratitude.”

And honestly, it’s difficult to disagree.

Guest stars rarely get the opportunity to evolve into such significant players on long-running network dramas. Monica transformed from a supporting character into one of The Rookie’s defining antagonists, becoming so popular that TVLine once suggested she deserved her own spin-off series.

While that possibility now seems unlikely — especially after the short-lived fate of the franchise’s previous spin-off, The Rookie: Feds — Monica’s legacy on the series is undeniable.

Fortunately, fans eager to see more of Bridget Regan have plenty of options. The actress has built an impressive television career over the years, starring as Kahlan Amnell in Legend of the Seeker, appearing in The Last Ship, White Collar, and delighting audiences with memorable roles in Jane the Virgin.

Although Monica Stevens’ story may be over, Bridget Regan’s unforgettable performance ensured that the character will remain one of The Rookie’s most memorable villains for years to come.