📅 When Is The Rookie Season 8 Coming Out?
Although ABC hasn’t announced an exact air date, the show is expected to follow the same pattern as Season 7, which aired midseason. That means The Rookie Season 8 will likely premiere in January 2026. The show will not be part of ABC’s Fall 2025 schedule but will return in the winter as a midseason series.
🎭 Who’s Returning for Season 8?
Fans can expect to see the main cast back, including:
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Nathan Fillion as John Nolan (now a training officer)
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Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen
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Eric Winter as Tim Bradford
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Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez
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Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper
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Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune
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Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez
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Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen
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Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers
🔪 Who’s the Main Villain in Season 8?
Season 8 will continue the storyline involving Monica Stevens (played by Bridget Regan), who escaped justice in the Season 7 finale by securing a deal with the government. According to showrunner Alexi Hawley, Monica will serve as the central antagonist for Season 8, creating major conflicts for the team.
📺 How Can You Watch Season 8?
When it premieres, The Rookie Season 8 will air:
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Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on ABC
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Episodes will also stream the next day on Hulu
Hulu subscriptions start at $9.99/month (with ads) and $18.99/month for the ad-free plan.
🕵️♂️ What’s Next in the Story?
Season 8 will pick up where Season 7 left off, continuing the intense and emotional storylines involving:
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The growing relationship between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (“Chenford”)
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The return of Oscar Hutchinson (played by Matthew Glave), a recurring antagonist
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Potential new threats and character developments teased by the showrunner
Alexi Hawley has promised the new season will include big twists, personal stakes, and high-stakes action.
🔄 Recap: What We Know About The Rookie Season 8
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Expected premiere: January 2026
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Air time: Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on ABC
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Streaming: Hulu, next day
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Main cast: Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, and more
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Villain: Monica Stevens returns as the main antagonist
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Plotlines: Chenford’s relationship, unresolved threats, and more surprises
