The Rookie Season 8 is expected premiere in January 2026, bringing fresh drama and thrilling storylines to fans. Early in 2025, filming for the new season began. In exciting news, the first episode was shot in Prague.
You can look forward to seeing returning characters, shocking plot twists, and new problems for the LAPD team. Get ready for a wild ride, because The Rookie’s unique police procedural drama keeps drawing people in.
When Is The Rookie Season 8 Coming Out?
Image © 2025 Disney / Mike Taing
Confirmed Release Date for The Rookie Season 8
The eighth season of The Rookie is expected to begin airing in January 2026. It will continue the show’s series of exciting police procedural dramas. From 2025 on, filming for the new season began, and work is already well under way. Fans have been given early behind-the-scenes content, offering a sneak peek into the filming process.
- Release date: January 2026.
- Filming began: Early 2025.
- Behind-the-scenes updates: Sneak peek images and videos confirm the main cast is returning, including Nathan Fillion and Melissa O’Neil.
- Filming locations: Major portions of season 8 will be set in Prague for the first episode.
The Wait for The Rookie Season 8 and What’s Causing the Delay
This time, we have to wait longer than usual for Season 8 of The Rookie. Usually, new episodes come out in the mid- season. The Season 7 finale aired in May, so fans will have to wait a few months before they can watch new episodes. So, why is there a delay?
- New Spin-off Series: The success of The Rookie has led to a new spin-off series, The Rookie: North, set in Seattle, contributing to the scheduling change.
- Filming Overlap: Production for both The Rookie and The Rookie: North will run simultaneously, with the spin-off series starting filming in late winter or early spring 2026.
- Creator Alexi Hawley’s Role: Part of the delay is because showrunner Alexi Hawley is working to make sure that episodes for both shows are made smoothly.
What Will Happen In The Rookie Season 8 Plot?
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Unresolved Storylines from Season 7 in Season 8
Season 7 of The Rookie left a lot of important storylines unresolved. Season 8 will continue to look into these. Monica Stevens and Oscar Hutchinson, among other important characters, will still be at the center of the new season’s events.
- Monica Stevens: After striking an immunity deal with the FBI in Season 7, Monica’s capture becomes even more complicated. The LAPD’s pursuit for this corrupt lawyer will continue in Season 8.
- Oscar Hutchinson: Escaping from the LAPD’s grasp at the end of Season 7, Oscar remains a dangerous threat.
- Oscar’s Return: Deadline Hollywood confirmed that Oscar will be back for Season 8, so he won’t be gone for long.
ChenFord’s Relationship and Lucy’s Return to Undercover Work
In season 8, the relationship between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen will still be a major plot point. The couple will work through their problems, including Lucy’s return to undercover work, after some emotional scenes in season 7. Since Tim Bradford doesn’t want to work undercover, this return will make their relationship more complicated.
- ChenFord: There will be new challenges in their relationship as it grows.
- Lucy Chen: Her return to undercover work will add tension to her dynamic with Tim.
- Tim Bradford: Struggles with his past as a cop will be revisited as Lucy returns to undercover operations.
Who Is Returning for The Rookie Season 8?
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Cast Members Returning for The Rookie Season 8
To continue their roles on LAPD, the recurring actors will be back for Season 8. Fans are looking forward to seeing their favorite police officers back on the job, where they will have to deal with new problems and events.
- Nathan Fillion as John Nolan: The seasoned rookie continues to lead the team, navigating both personal and professional hurdles.
- Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen: Now promoted to Sergeant, Lucy faces the challenge of leadership while dealing with her evolving relationship with Tim.
- Eric Winter as Tim Bradford: As the tough training officer, Tim must confront his past while working through the complexities of his relationship with Lucy.
- Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez: Detective Lopez returns to balance her career and family life while keeping the streets safe.
- Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper: As a seasoned officer, Nyla continues to mentor rookies while balancing her demanding career and personal life.
- Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey: The dependable Lieutenant is back to support his team in the face of new challenges.
- Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune: John Nolan’s wife, Bailey, returns to the storyline, continuing to provide support in his journey.
- Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers: As a lawyer-turned-assistant DA, Wesley’s personal and professional life will face more tests in Season 8.
New Cast Members and Series Regulars in Season 8
Season 8 introduces some exciting additions to the cast, bringing in new dynamics and intensifying ongoing storylines:
- Deric Augustine as Miles Penn: Miles, who debuted in Season 7, has been promoted to a series regular.
- Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez: Celina returns after completing her rookie training in Season 7.
- Matthew Glave as Oscar Hutchinson: The dangerous criminal returns to pose an even greater threat.
- Bridget Regan as Monica Stevens: Monica, the corrupt attorney who struck a deal with the FBI.
- Felix Solis as Matt Garza: Known from The Rookie: Feds, Matt joins the team in Prague.
Where Can I Watch The Rookie Season 8?
Image © 2025 Disney / Mike Taing
Where to Stream The Rookie Season 8
Season 8 of The Rookie will air on ABC, and the next day, you’ll be able to stream it on Hulu. People from other countries will be able to watch it on Disney+ Hotstar in India, CTV in Canada, and Disney+ (Star) in some parts of Europe.
- Stream on: ABC and Hulu (next-day streaming).
- International availability: Disney+ Hotstar (India), CTV (Canada), Disney+ (Europe).
Final Thoughts
Season 8 of The Rookie looks like it will be a great new chapter with lots of exciting stories, like the international hunt for Monica Stevens and the team’s ongoing problems. Filming in Prague will bring a new international flair to the story, and possibly characters like Sarah and Wesley will bring more drama and intrigue.
The Rookie is successful because it can balance interesting stories with character growth. Don’t wait to hear about all the exciting twists, tune in when the season premieres in January 2026!
FAQs
Where is The Rookie season 8 being filmed?
The Rookie Season 8 is being filmed in Prague for the first episode, bringing a fresh international setting to the show.
Who left The Rookie in 2025?
Tru Valentino (Officer Aaron Thorsen) and Patrick Keleher (Officer Seth Ridley) both exited The Rookie in 2025. Valentino’s departure took place during the Season 7 premiere, while Keleher left in the Season 7 finale following an injury to his character.
What is the spin-off series of The Rookie?
The Rookie: North could potentially be the third series in the franchise, following the cancellation of The Rookie: Feds, which starred Niecy Nash and Laura Stensen ended after one season in 2023.
What is Jackson West’s role in Season 8?
Jackson West is not in The Rookie Season 8 because his character was killed off in the Season 4 premiere after being shot during a kidnapping.
When will new episodes of The Rookie air?
New episodes of The Rookie will air starting in January 2026, with updates and post images attachment available leading up to the premiere.