The suspense is officially over, and honestly, it’s the news we were all hoping for. If you’ve been biting your nails wondering about the fate of John Nolan and the rest of the Mid-Wilshire crew, you can breathe. The Rookie has been officially renewed for Season 8.
In fact, as of January 2026, the show isn't just "renewed"—it’s already back on your screen. ABC made the call back in early 2025, and the premiere finally landed on January 6, 2026. This wasn't some quiet, under-the-radar return, either. The premiere pulled in nearly 8 million viewers across platforms, proving that our collective obsession with Nathan Fillion’s "do-over" career hasn't faded one bit.
What is the Release Schedule for The Rookie Season 8?
The network is doing something a little different this time around. Instead of the jagged, start-and-stop schedule we’ve seen in years past, ABC is aiming for momentum.
Basically, the plan is to run an 18-episode season almost entirely uninterrupted. No more waiting three weeks for a random holiday break only to forget what happened in the previous cliffhanger. However, there is a catch. Only three episodes in, the show is already moving. Starting in February 2026, The Rookie is jumping to a new night. It’s moving to Mondays at 10 p.m. ET, right after American Idol.
If you’re a creature of habit who sits down every Tuesday, you’re gonna want to update your DVR. Here is how the rest of the season is looking for the first half of the year:
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- Episode 3: Jan 20
- Episode 4 (New Night): Jan 26
- Episode 5: Feb 2
- Episode 6: Feb 9
- Episode 7: Feb 16
- Episode 8: Feb 23
- Episode 9: March 2
The season is expected to wrap up its 18-episode run by May 4, 2026.
Why did it take so long to get here?
Television is a weird business. Last year, The Rookie was held back for a midseason premiere, which felt like a slap in the face to some fans. But the executives at Disney Television Group, specifically Craig Erwich, argued that this "midseason" strategy actually helps the show. By holding the premiere until January, they can air the episodes back-to-back without those annoying gaps.
Ratings don't lie. Season 8’s opener set a streaming record for the series on Hulu. It turns out that when people know exactly when their show is on, they actually show up.
What is happening in the new season?
If you haven't started the new episodes yet, buckle up. The scale has shifted. Usually, we’re confined to the streets of Los Angeles, but Season 8 kicked things off with a literal "global operation."
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Nolan and the team headed to Prague to track down terrorist targets alongside the FBI. It felt more like a Bond movie than a standard police procedural for a minute there. But don't worry, the heart of the show is still very much about the relationships. Showrunner Alexi Hawley has teased that this year will be "seismic" for the main couples. Specifically, he’s hinted that some marriages will be challenged.
We’ve also seen the return of Oscar Hutchinson (played by the always-entertaining Matthew Glave), because it wouldn't be The Rookie without everyone’s favorite manipulative convict causing a headache for Nolan.
How much longer can this show go on?
This is the big question. Nathan Fillion isn't exactly a "rookie" anymore. He’s a seasoned veteran who has risen through the ranks multiple times. So, is the title still relevant?
Honestly, Fillion doesn't seem to care about the semantics. In a recent chat with People, he joked that he’d be happy to stay on the force for another decade. He envisions a "soft retirement" where he eventually hands the badge to a new lead but sticks around as a recurring character.
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There is also talk of a new spinoff called The Rookie: North in development. While The Rookie: Feds didn't quite go the distance, the franchise seems to be expanding rather than shrinking.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re trying to stay caught up, here is your checklist:
- Check your local listings for the Monday move: Remember, after the January 20th episode, the show moves to Monday nights.
- Catch up on Hulu: All seven previous seasons are streaming there if you need a refresher on why Oscar is so dangerous or how Chenford finally got to where they are.
- Watch for the "North" Pilot: Keep an eye out for news regarding the new spinoff, as characters from the main show might pop up there to help launch the series later this year.
The show is currently in its prime. Between the massive streaming numbers and Fillion’s commitment to the role, Season 8 is definitely not the end of the road. Turn on your notifications and get ready for a Monday night ritual.