The Rookie Season 8 Premieres on Rai 2 With International Espionage and Presidential Security
The eighth season of the police procedural drama series The Rookie premiered on Rai 2 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, launching with a back-to-back episode broadcast starting at 9:00 PM, according to television reporting from tutto.tv. Nathan Fillion returns to star as John Nolan in the 18-episode season, which first aired in the United States on ABC between January and May 2026.
Italian viewers gained access to the dubbed episodes months ahead of the Rai broadcast, as RSI LA1, the primary channel of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation in Italian, debuted the season on August 12, 2026. The new season opens by sending characters far beyond Los Angeles for international operations before returning to high-stakes domestic protection details in California.
International Operations in Prague and Presidential Visits in Los Angeles
The season premiere, titled Spionaggio a Praga
(Prague Espionage
), picks up directly after the conclusion of the seventh season. Monica Stevens secures a deal granting her immunity and agrees to collaborate with the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI to capture high-profile fugitives. This cooperation targets Lucas Wegner, a figure involved in international arms trafficking operating in the Czech capital, drawing Nolan and Bailey into a joint mission alongside the FBI and Interpol.
The second episode, Cambiamenti
(Changes
), shifts focus to internal department shifts as Tim assumes the role of captain in place of Grey. Tim faces immediate administrative challenges as the President of the United States visits Los Angeles, requiring the LAPD to coordinate security with the Secret Service. Lucy manages the complex protective detail, while Nyla and Angela investigate threats sent to the President, and Miles tests his field instincts under the new leadership structure.
Personal Dynamics and Departmental Shifts
Beyond active casework, the eighth season addresses ongoing personal friction among the primary characters. Nolan and Bailey navigate the complications of working alongside Monica, a figure they distrust deeply. Meanwhile, Tim and Lucy address lingering strains in their relationship; Tim considers taking steps toward cohabitation, while Lucy contends with unresolved emotional pain from past events. These personal developments coincide with new operational responsibilities stemming from the command changes at the LAPD.
Franchise Expansion With The Rookie North
ABC has expanded the television franchise by ordering a second spin-off series titled The Rookie: North, following the earlier run of The Rookie: Feds. Created by franchise developer Alexi Hawley, the first season consists of 10 episodes and stars Jay Ellis as Alex Holland, a middle-class man who enlists in the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department in Washington State following a home invasion. The cast features Janet Montgomery, Karen Fukuhara, Chris Sullivan, Froy Gutierrez, Mya Lowe, and Malik Watson, with Nathan Fillion appearing in the pilot episode. Hawley and Fillion serve as executive producers alongside Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman, with production handled by Lionsgate Television and 20th Television for a scheduled midseason 2026–2027 debut on ABC.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Rookie Season 8
Where can viewers watch The Rookie Season 8 in Italy?
The season broadcasts on Rai 2 every Sunday with a double episode block, and episodes stream live on RaiPlay. The episodes were previously broadcast in Italian by the Swiss channel RSI LA1 starting on August 12, 2026.
How many episodes are in the eighth season?
The eighth season consists of 18 episodes total, matching the broadcast order previously shown on ABC in the United States between January and May 2026.
Is another season of the series confirmed?
ABC has confirmed a ninth season of The Rookie, which is scheduled to begin broadcasting in 2027.