The Rookie Season 8 to Premiere in January 2026 on ABC
The Rookie Season 8 Premiere Pushed to January 2026
Good news for fans of The Rookie — Season 8 is set to premiere in January 2026, skipping the expected fall 2025 release. ABC has confirmed that the popular police drama will return as part of its midseason lineup once again.
This will be the third year in a row that The Rookie premieres in January instead of the fall. While this has disappointed some viewers, ABC believes it’s a smart move. The network saw great results with The Rookie Season 7 starting in January, including consistent weekly episodes and increased viewer numbers.
Why ABC Chose a Midseason Launch Again
Disney Television President Craig Erwich shared that starting The Rookie midseason, alongside Will Trent, led to significant year-over-year growth. The uninterrupted run helped both shows gain momentum and attract more fans.
Although an exact premiere date for Season 8 is still under wraps, showrunner Alexi Hawley has revealed that the writer's room is already in motion. Expect a thrilling Season 7 finale, complete with surprises and a cliffhanger that will set the tone for next season.
A New Rookie Spinoff May Be on the Horizon
There’s also some exciting buzz around a potential spinoff of The Rookie. While it's still in the early development phase and not yet confirmed, fans can look forward to the possibility of a new storyline expanding the universe.
