Fans of the hit police drama The Rookie are in for a scheduling surprise as the show's eighth season undergoes a significant broadcast shake-up. After a thrilling two-episode return, the series is abandoning its familiar Tuesday night slot, leaving viewers questioning when they can next catch up with John Nolan and the team.
New Night, New Time: The Rookie's Schedule Shift
The first two episodes of The Rookie season eight premiered as expected on Tuesday, January 6, airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu. However, this pattern is now changing. The Rookie season 8, episode 3, titled 'The Red Place', will now debut on Monday, January 19. It will air on ABC at 10pm ET/PT, with simultaneous streaming on Hulu.
This move from Tuesday to Monday nights is reportedly to make room for the upcoming new series RJ Decker, starring Scott Speedman, which is scheduled to premiere in March. RJ Decker will join ABC's Tuesday night lineup alongside other established hits like Will Trent and High Potential.
What to Expect in Episode 3: 'The Red Place'
The upcoming episode promises another action-packed instalment for the LAPD's finest. The official synopsis reveals that John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) will conduct a high-stakes silent arrest, while officers Lucy Chen and Celina Juarez race against time to save a kidnap victim.
Meanwhile, Detectives Nyla Harper and Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) will be tasked with outsmarting a killer. The episode will also see Officer Miles encounter a mysterious figure from his past, adding another layer of personal drama to the procedural plot.
This follows an explosive start to the season, which saw Nolan and Lopez tracking an arms dealer in Prague, and a more romantic conclusion to episode two, 'Fast Andy', which focused on Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen adjusting to living together.
Implications for UK Viewers and the Season Ahead
For audiences in the United States, the 18-episode season order means new episodes will now air every Monday night, with the season expected to run through to June, barring any unforeseen delays.
Unfortunately, for fans in the UK, the wait continues. Sky has yet to confirm a UK broadcast date for the eighth season. It is anticipated to debut on Sky and the streaming service NOW sometime later this year. Currently, only the first four seasons of the show are available to Disney+ subscribers in the UK.
This scheduling change is a significant shift for a show with a dedicated fanbase, but it ensures the series remains a staple of ABC's primetime lineup alongside its new programming. Viewers should mark their calendars for Monday nights to keep up with the latest adventures from the LAPD's oldest rookie.
