EXCLUSIVE: Deric Augustine has been promoted to series regular on ABC‘s hit series The Rookie, currently airing its seventh season.
Augustine joined the Nathan Fillion-led drama in Season 7 in the recurring role of Miles Penn, one of the newest rookies at the LAPD. As a Texas transfer, he is a “rookie” despite being a two-year veteran of the force.
The character was most recently spotlighted in the Season 7 episode “Mad About Murder,” which aired on April 15 and was written by Madeleine Coghlan. In the episode, Miles reconnects with his best friend from high school while on a crime scene. Miles’ old buddy reveals he has signed a big deal with a professional football team and invites Miles to celebrate with him at an upcoming party. He attends but ends up in a tussle with his friend’s right-hand man, who, as a result, loses his job. Miles is offered the new gig, which he considers seriously before Tim (Eric Winter) helps him see he would be happier staying on the force.
On tonight’s episode, “The Return,” airing at 9 p.m., the team has mixed feelings when a familiar face returns hoping to prove himself. Meanwhile, an influencer gets his fans to come after Wesley (Shawn Ashmore), and Tim supports Lucy (Melissa O’Neil) as she prepares for the sergeant’s exam.
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ABC touts The Rookie currently averages 9.08 million total viewers and a 1.97 rating in Multiplatform+7-day viewing, growing over last year’s season average by +4% and +12% in those demographics, respectively. Further, the show’s March 25 episode “Speed” catapulted The Rookie’s multi-year highs with its best total viewers (9.62 million) and adults 18-49 (2.13 rating) since Season 2.
Alexi Hawley is the creator and executive producer of The Rookie. Mark Gordon, Nathan Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, Brynn Malone, Moira Kirland, Bill Roe, and Jon Steinberg executive produce. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television in partnership with 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
Augustine is a native of New Orleans, where he honed his acting skills on stage as a young theater actor and pursued higher education in theater at the University of New Orleans. After graduating, he expanded his craft in New York City at the Negro Ensemble Company and William Esper Studio. In 2019, Augustine portrayed Muhammad Ali in the MGM+ series Godfather of Harlem, led by Forest Whitaker. He followed with the recurring role of Clay in the CW’s All American. His credits also include Swagger from Apple TV+, Showtime’s Shameless, Criminal Minds for CBS, the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, and Queen Sugar.
Last year, the actor launched Augustine’s Love Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the memory of his late mother, Donna Augustine. The foundation supports families affected by strokes and brain aneurysms, reflecting Augustine’s commitment to community and personal legacy.
In addition to his acting and philanthropic efforts, he released the YA fantasy novel, Nawlins, which will be available to purchase in July. The story revolves around Black wizards in Louisiana, inspired by his deep roots in New Orleans.
Augustine is repped by Greene Talent and Zero Gravity Management.