As we inch closer to The Rookie season 8, we have been getting crumbs of what to expect, and today, we got another update! We like it when news flows in, as we can better prepare ourselves for the twists and turns. And you know that the ABC drama is filled with twists and turns.
Early production began for season 7, and the same can be officially said for season 8. One of The Rookie‘s stars, Deric Augustine (Officer Miles Penn), shared a glimpse of the “801” script on X (previously Twitter) on Wednesday, June 4. From its appearance, it could be a table read, given the Sharpie highlighter and desk. It’s not much to go on, especially since we have no title for the premiere and the writer has been cropped out to avoid additional spoilers, but we’ll take it.
If Augustine has already received his script copy, his castmates most likely did as well. Once everyone has established their lines, filming across Los Angeles and other locations can start.
Although Miles has only been part of the LAPD for a short period, like his colleague John Nolan, who began as a rookie, he has proven himself a viable employee and community servant. Even under Sergeant Bradford’s intense scrutiny, Miles took the rookie program seriously, achieving in every assignment, despite being a little egotistic, given his past wild ways and a cop in his home state of Texas. Even when a better offer was handed to him, with added luxury perks and life security, Mile turned it down because being a police officer is his true calling.
As he’s about to wrap up his program, there’s no doubt that Miles will take on more challenging shifts that might push him to the edge in season 8. In April, Augustine was promoted to series regular, upped from recurring. This highlight means that the New Orleans-based actor will have more screen time and likely butt heads with Bradford. The scenes between the two men gave a realistic and strong insight into the professional relationships of law enforcement.
Speaking of Bradford, he might have been strict with Miles on his training, but it was for his benefit and success.
Season 8 of The Rookie will premiere in 2026, with an episode block of 18 episodes. The show will likely be partnered with another ABC hit, Will Trent, as it was during its season 7 run.
