Unfortunately, fans will have to wait longer than normal for The Rookie season 8, but on the bright side, a recent development could help the show in the long run. The series typically has four-month hiatuses between seasons. The Rookie’s seasons usually end in the spring and return in the fall. However, that won’t be the case for season 8.
The Rookie season 8 will consist of 18 episodes.
The Rookie also veered off course with season 7, as it premiered in winter 2025 instead of fall 2024. Now, season 8 is following suit. After The Rookie season 7 ended in May 2025, the show began a (presumably) eight-month hiatus. Season 8 isn’t expected to arrive until early 2026, likely in January. While the wait is long, a new update alleviates the frustration.
All 7 Seasons Of The Rookie Will Be Available On Free TV
The Rookie Is Coming To UPtv
According to Parade, all seven seasons of The Rookie have come to UPtv, a basic cable TV channel. Before, the only way to watch the police procedural was either on ABC or Hulu via subscription. Now, though, UPtv has secured the license for every episode of The Rookie. Starting on July 6, 2025, those with access to UPtv can watch reruns of the show.
This is major news for The Rookie’s reach. Since the cop show airs on ABC and ABC is owned by Disney, the only other way to watch it was via Hulu (which Disney also owns) or to pay for the seasons and/or episodes on other services (like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc.). So, with The Rookie’s addition to UPtv, more people can now watch it.
Not everyone has access to Hulu or can tune in to new episodes of The Rookie every Tuesday night while it’s airing. Consequently, those people are discouraged from watching the ABC police procedural TV series in its entirety. However, now there’s another way to access The Rookie and catch up on all its episodes, which significantly broadens the show’s reach.
So, while it might be frustrating to some that they have to wait about eight months for The Rookie season 8, the delay will seemingly be worth it.
By reaching a larger audience, The Rookie’s success can grow. Perhaps its ratings will grow. Plus, its addition to UPtv softens the blow felt by ABC’s decision to delay The Rookie season 8 to midseason on the 2025–2026 schedule. It’ll be easier for new and old fans to watch the series, helping pass the time until season 8 premieres in early 2026.
So, while it might be frustrating to some that they have to wait about eight months for The Rookie season 8, the delay will seemingly be worth it. For starters, it gives the writers more time to perfect the story. It also allows more people to catch up on The Rookie’s first seven seasons, either via Hulu or UPtv.
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