The Rookie Season 8 Premieres: John Nolan's Global Mission and a Thrilling Story Development

John Nolan's new adventure in The Rookie Season 8 has begun! Here's the plot, how to watch, and everything you need to know.

The Rookie Season 8 Premieres: John Nolan's Global Mission and a Thrilling Story Development
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John Nolan's new adventure in The Rookie Season 8 has begun! Here's the plot, how to watch, and everything you need to know.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The popular police drama series, The Rookie, has officially returned on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET on ABC.

Fans in the United States can watch new episodes live or via Hulu the following day, Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The renewal for this eighth season was announced in April 2025, along with several other ABC flagship series.

This season promises more intense storylines and in-depth character development, starting with an international mission that takes several key characters overseas.

Premiere Schedule and Access

The Rookie Season 8 premiere aired on January 6, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET on ABC.

Following the television airing, new episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day, every Wednesday.

All seven previous seasons of The Rookie are also available on Hulu, giving new viewers the opportunity to follow the storyline from the beginning.

The eighth season is planned to have 18 episodes and will air consecutively without a break.

For viewers in Canada, The Rookie Season 7, and likely Season 8, can be streamed for free on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

However, for fans in the UK, release dates on Sky Witness and NOW have not yet been confirmed, with previous seasons tending to arrive after their US premieres.

Meanwhile, in Australia, there is no information yet regarding the broadcast of The Rookie Season 7 or Season 8 on local channels or streaming platforms.

International Mission and Storyline

The initial plot of The Rookie Season 8 brings a fresh international twist.

John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and his wife, Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan), travel to Prague, Czech Republic, for a "global operation."

This mission involves collaboration between the LAPD, FBI, and Interpol, who are working with Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan) to target high-value terrorists operating both inside and outside the United States.

Although Monica Stevens is known as a recurring antagonist, she will be working closely with the team on this mission, albeit with caution from the police.

Furthermore, Season 8 will continue several key storylines from previous seasons.

The relationship between Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter), known as "Chenford," will see positive developments.

After their breakup in Season 6 and various twists in Season 7, they are expected to "talk" and take steps forward in their relationship, even with the possibility of Lucy moving in with Tim.

Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan) will return as the main villain, and Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave), who escaped from police custody at the end of Season 7, is also still at large and is expected to reappear.

Lucy Chen's character development will also be a focus, as she will "step into leadership" as a sergeant and be tested in various ways.

Additionally, Pete Nolan (Pete Davidson) is likely to return in Season 8, as showrunner Alexi Hawley wishes.

The Rookie Season 8 Main Cast

Most of the core cast from The Rookie Season 7 will return for Season 8.

Nathan Fillion will return as John Nolan, Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen, and Eric Winter as Tim Bradford.

Jenna Dewan will reprise her role as Bailey Nune, John Nolan's wife, who will accompany him on international missions.

Other key returning characters include Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez.

Deric Augustine will also return as Miles Penn.