If you’ve been tuning in to ABC on Tuesday nights expecting to see John Nolan and the crew, you’ve probably been met with a confusing

surprise. As of January 26, 2026, the LAPD’s finest have officially packed up their gear and moved to a brand-new neighborhood on the

weekly calendar. For years, we’ve associated our mid-week slump with the high-stakes drama of Mid-Wilshire, but ABC has thrown us a curveball that’s actually a major win for fans of the show.

 

 

The show hasn’t just moved; it’s evolved. In an effort to pair its heavy hitters together, ABC moved The Rookie to Monday nights. Why the sudden change? It’s all about the powerhouse lead-in from American Idol. By placing Nathan Fillion and his squad right after one of the biggest reality shows on TV, the network is betting big on the show’s 2026 momentum. Let’s dive into the specifics so you never have to ask, “When is The Rookie on?” ever again.

This move allows the show to cap off a night of high-energy programming, following the two-hour block of American Idol. It’s a strategic play that keeps the adrenaline pumping right until the news comes on.

One of the most frustrating things about network TV is the “break”—those two-week gaps that kill the narrative flow. ABC has confirmed that the remaining episodes of Season 8 will enjoy a straight run. This means barring any major breaking news events, you can expect a new episode every single week through the finale in May 2026.

Let’s be real: 10 PM on a Monday is a tough slot for those of us with early morning alarms. Thankfully, we live in the golden age of “watch it when you want.”

Hulu: The Morning After
If you miss the live broadcast, don’t panic. New episodes of The Rookie drop on Hulu every Tuesday morning. Usually, they are available by 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT.

Disney+ (The Bundle Advantage)
With the 2026 integration of Hulu and Disney+, many fans can now access the entire library—including Season 8—directly through the Disney+ app if they have the Duo or Trio bundle. It’s seamless, fast, and high-definition.

This isn’t just a regular season; it’s a global one. The 2026 episodes have taken the team far beyond the streets of Los Angeles.

H3: The Prague Connection
The season kicked off with a massive three-episode arc set in Prague. We saw Nolan, Bailey, and the team working alongside Interpol and the FBI to track down high-value terrorists. This international scope shows that the show is finally flexing its budget and its narrative muscles.

H3: The Return of Monica Stevens
The legal shark we love to hate is back. Monica Stevens is currently serving as a federal informant, creating a web of tension that affects everyone from Wade Grey to Angela Lopez.

Why did ABC move The Rookie mid-season? It wasn’t because of low ratings—quite the opposite. The Season 8 premiere brought in a massive 9.35 million viewers.

Making Room for “RJ Decker”
The move to Monday nights cleared the Tuesday 10 PM slot for ABC’s newest drama, “RJ Decker,” starring Scott Speedman. By moving The Rookie to Mondays, ABC is using the established hit to bolster Monday nights while giving their new show a “fresh start” on Tuesdays after Will Trent and High Potential.

H4: The “Chenford” Factor
The creators know that the relationship between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen (affectionately dubbed “Chenford” by the internet) is a huge draw. Moving them to Mondays allows the network to capture the social media “buzz” that happens at the start of the work week, keeping the show trending for longer periods.