Production on The Rookie season 8 began in Prague in June, and Nathan Fillion, who plays John Nolan, opened up about filming his show overseas. The ABC series takes place in Los Angeles, which is why it was surprising to learn about the cast and crew’s trip to Prague. Nevertheless, the characters start The Rookie season 8 in Europe.
Fillion appeared as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live on July 7 to talk about his new movie, Superman, but also The Rookie season 8. During the actor’s discussion with guest host Anthony Anderson, he addressed what it was like to shoot his police procedural series in the Czech Republic. Check out Fillion’s quote below.
“We went off to Prague to shoot a portion of the premiere episode of season 8 … It felt like I was shooting Casino Royale. I’m telling you, I’m in a suit, you’re walking down these incredible streets. I love the history. There’s so much history. This building was built in the 1400s, but behind it are the old buildings. This beautiful clock, and it’s such a dark history, too. This beautiful clock, it was so incredible, they said after the fella made it, they went and burned out his eyes with a white-hot poker so he would never make anything so beautiful again. Like, these were tough times.”
What Filming In Prague Means For The Rookie Season 8
Nathan Fillion’s Comparison To James Bond Is Telling
Behind-the-scenes images and videos from The Rookie season 8 spoiled that the premiere would feature Nolan and the team in Prague. Thanks to the leaked photos and clips, we have a bit of an idea of what’s going on overseas. However, Fillion’s comments, although broad, also reveal what fans can expect from The Rookie season 8 premiere.
Based on the behind-the-scenes pictures and videos, Nolan will be joined by Bailey Nune, Monica Stevens, Nyla Harper, and Matt Garza (from The Rookie: Feds) in Europe. Since Monica and Garza are there, it’s clear that the characters are in Prague following the aftermath of The Rookie season 7 finale. Monica made a deal for her immunity, and now, she’s in Europe.
The episode could give off spy movie vibes, with the characters embracing their inner James Bond as they work with Monica to find and stop a notorious criminal.
Plus, Fillion comparing filming The Rookie season 8 premiere in Prague to Casino Royale gives us an idea of its tone. The episode could give off spy movie vibes, with the characters embracing their inner James Bond as they work with Monica, albeit begrudgingly. Whatever the case, fans will see a whole new side of The Rookie in season 8.
Our Take On The Rookie Season 8 Starting In Europe
ABC Is Willing To Bet A Lot On The Rookie
Broadcast networks don’t have big budgets to send the casts and crews abroad on a whim. So, ABC taking a chance on The Rookie by signing off on the Prague trip is great news for Alexi Hawley’s crime drama. It showcases that ABC is impressed with The Rookie, allowing the series to kick off its season 8 premiere in Europe.
The Rookie season 8 won’t premiere until early 2026, but it’ll consist of 18 episodes that ABC will reportedly release weekly with little to no breaks.
The Rookie has been going strong for eight years, and it doesn’t seem like it’s stopping anytime soon. Unless something drastic happens in season 8, the show likely isn’t ending anytime soon. The cast and crew of The Rookie filming a portion of the season 8 premiere in Prague proves that.
