The Rookie cast and crew have already begun filming season 8, and spoilers from the set confirm that ABC has a lot of faith in Nathan Fillion’s show. Of course, the fact that it has been on the air for almost eight years is proof enough. However, The Rookie is taking a big step with its eighth season premiere, as evidenced by behind-the-scenes photos and videos.
ABC is holding The Rookie season 8 for midseason, meaning it won’t premiere until early 2026. When it does, though, it will release 18 episodes weekly with little to no interruptions.
In the wake of The Rookie season 7 finale, the Mid-Wilshire crew will have many obstacles to overcome in season 8. The ABC crime drama has had more intense finales in the past (I’m looking at you, season 2), but season 7’s last episode sets up the return of a notorious villain, who is sure to terrorize the other characters. The continuation of this story evidently won’t begin stateside, though.
The Rookie Is Filming In Prague For Season 8
Jenna Dewan (via The Rookie BTS’s Instagram page) posted photos and videos on her Instagram Stories revealing that she was in Prague, Czech Republic, filming The Rookie season 8. As many know, Dewan stars as Bailey in the ABC series. So, when season 8 opens, Bailey and a handful of other characters will be abroad.
Other behind-the-scenes pictures and clips reveal that Dewan isn’t the only Rookie cast member filming in Prague. Nathan Fillion (John Nolan), Mekia Cox (Nyla Harper), Bridget Regan (Monica Stevens), and Felix Solis (The Rookie: Feds’ Matt Garza) were also spotted on the international set. Given how The Rookie season 7 ended, it’s not too surprising to see Monica and Garza back.
However, that likely means that Tim Bradford, Lucy Chen, Angela Lopez, Wade Grey, Wesley Evers, Celina Juarez, and Miles Penn will stay in Los Angeles while their friends are in Prague. None of their portrayers were seen in Prague. It’s always possible that the crew did a great job of hiding the actors, though.
ABC greenlit The Rookie’s trip to Europe because they know it’s a profitable show.
Most of the behind-the-scenes footage shows Nolan, Bailey, and Monica walking together in the streets. There is less footage of Nyla and Garza, but they are there, too. All the characters are undoubtedly in Prague on business, seeing as this would be an unlikely crew to vacation together. As for the specific reasons why they’re overseas, fans must wait for The Rookie season 8 premiere to learn more.
ABC Allowing The Rookie To Film Internationally Proves How Valuable The Show Is
Not many network TV shows (let alone procedurals) can say that they got to shoot even one scene, let alone an episode, in another country. It’s a rare feat for any series. But now The Rookie has gone where most shows haven’t. And as proven by the cast and crew’s latest excursion overseas, ABC greatly values Alexi Hawley’s magnum opus.
ABC has enough faith in The Rookie that its executives are willing to give it extra funding to film overseas. They believe that the payout will be greater than the price. So, ABC greenlit The Rookie’s trip to Europe because they know it’s a profitable show, and the high cost of moving production abroad (even if it’s brief) will be worth it in the end.
ABC’s Confidence In The Rookie Bodes Well For Its Future
The Rookie Will Likely Continue Past Season 8
The Rookie has been one of ABC’s highest-rated drama series since its premiere in 2018. As a result, the network has renewed it time and time again, and based on season 8’s starting filming location, fans should rest assured that their favorite TV show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Rookie’s future is quite bright, despite its already lengthy run.
Additionally, ABC’s evident faith in the crime drama is a good sign regarding the chances of its universe expanding past the original show.
Of course, there is always the possibility that some Rookie characters will leave, even if ABC continues renewing the police procedural. The Rookie has been lucky over the years. It has retained most of its original cast (including Nathan Fillion) as it heads into season 8. However, as TV lovers know, actors and actresses often come and go, and there is no guarantee that they will be around until the end.
For now, though, fans don’t have to worry about any departures. All the main cast members from The Rookie season 7 are confirmed to return in season 8, and they will be joined by former recurring star Deric Augustine, who plays Miles Penn. Hopefully, nothing will change if and when ABC greenlights a ninth season in 2026.
Additionally, ABC’s evident faith in the crime drama is a good sign regarding the chances of its universe expanding past the original show. A new spinoff of The Rookie (titled The Rookie North) is already in the works. If the network orders the offshoot to series, and it succeeds, perhaps ABC will consider more shows. Whatever the case, The Rookie’s presence in Prague is good news all around.
