The Rookie Season 8 release date revealed: Here’s when the police procedural returns to ABC

The Rookie fans can rejoice as the hit drama series is coming back with season 8 on ABC on January 6, 2026. The Nathan Fillion starrer procedural series revolves around John Nolan, who joins the Los Angeles Police Department as their oldest rookie. Episodes of The Rookie Season 8 will also be available to stream on Hulu the day after it airs on ABC.

The Rookie Season 8 has some new and exciting storyline in store as Officer Nolan and wife Bailey (played by Jenna Dewan) will be heading to Prague in Czech Republic. Creator Alexi Hawley and Fillion shared the news during San Diego Comic-Con in July 2025. As per TVInsider, Hawley shared,

“It’s been out there that we are doing something special for our Season 8 premiere. We got on an airplane and we went to Prague.”

Fillion added about filming for The Rookie Season 8,

“It felt like we were making Casino Royale. It’s an amazing city.”

The Rookie Season 8 release date and other details

The Rookie follows the story of Officer John Nolan, played by Fillion, who after coming face-to-face with a life changing incident, decides to join the LAPD in his forties. As the oldest rookie in the department, he must navigate through the professional challenges while trying to live his dream.

The Rookie Season 8 will return to ABC on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET. The series, wrapped up its Season 7 in May 2025. The upcoming season will air after Will Trent Season 4 premiere and High Potential season 2’s mid-season return.

The Rookie Season 7 finale titled ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Oscar’ ended on a surprising note with Monica Stevens (played by Bridget Regan) going scot-free despite her actions against the government. She gets full immunity deal to everyone’s dismay. Officer Nolan also tracks down Oscar Hutchinson (played by Matthew Glave), who manages to escape on helicopter, leaving behind the stolen diamonds. Their fates will be explored in the upcoming season.

While speaking to TVLine, Fillion said,

“Having Monica out and free and smug feels like injustice. People will be anxious to see her pay for what she's done.”

The Rookie Season 8 will also see the possible reconciliation between Tim Bradford (played by Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (played Melissa O’Neil).

Melissa O’Neil had taken to Instagram recently to share about The Rookie Season 8. She had posted a photograph with Lisseth Chavez, who plays the role of Celina Juarez, with the caption:

These ladies are back in action!!! Celina and Lucy: how would you describe them in emoji’s?

The Rookie Season 8 will see the cast of the series reprising their roles including Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Bridget Regan as Monica Stevens, Matthew Glave as Oscar Hutchinson, Shawn Ashmore as ADA Wesley Evers, Lisseth Chavez as Officer Celina Juarez, Mekia Cox as Detective Nyla Harper, Jenna Dewan as LAFD firefighter Bailey Nune, Alyssa Diaz as Detective Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Melissa O’Neil as Sergeant Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Sergeant Tim Bradford and Deric Augustine as Officer Miles Penn.

The Rookie Season 8 on ABC on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 PM. The episodes will be available on Hulu the next day.

ALSO READ: Mike Colter starrer Cupertino gets series order from CBS: Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming legal drama

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