Mekia Cox has confirmed that her real-life daughter appears in the new episodes of the long-running ABC series The Rookie, season 8. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Cox opened up about the upcoming season, her character Nyla Harper’s evolving journey, and how art continues to reflect life both on and off screen.
Mekia Cox on Nyla Harper’s Personal Growth in The Rookie Season 8
Cox, who joined The Rookie in 2019, told that season 8 will explore more of Nyla Harper’s personal life alongside her professional responsibilities. She explained that the character begins to feel a pull toward her former high-stakes undercover work and attempts to reconnect with that intense world, even as her current life has changed. According to Cox, this internal conflict adds new layers to Harper and allows viewers to see a different side of the detective as she navigates motherhood and identity.
The actress also shared that audiences will once again see Harper’s daughters on screen this season. Cox confirmed that one of the children appearing is her real-life youngest daughter, making the storyline especially meaningful for her. She described the experience as personally rewarding, noting how closely her own life now mirrors aspects of her character’s journey. Cox is a mother of two daughters with her husband, Britt Leach, and has often spoken about how motherhood has influenced her work.
Real-Life Motherhood Blends Seamlessly Into The Rookie Storylines
Cox’s connection between real life and fiction on The Rookie extends back several seasons. Her pregnancy and home birth were written into the show during season 5, a decision she publicly acknowledged in a May 2022 Instagram post. In that verified post, she credited series creator Alexi Hawley and the writing team for thoughtfully portraying a home birth on television and helping normalize the experience for viewers.
In the same interview, Cox reflected on how these intimate and relatable moments help the show resonate across generations. She recalled meeting families who watch The Rookie together, describing it as a series that creates shared viewing time for grandparents, parents, and children alike. That sense of family also carries behind the scenes, as Cox often brings her daughters to the set. In June 2024, she shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram showing her children visiting her at work, offering fans a glimpse into how closely her professional and personal worlds intertwine.
