When fans spotted cast and crew filming in Lisbon, Portugal, and later Budapest, many wondered: why would a show so rooted in Los Angeles suddenly shift production overseas? The answer, as it turns out, lies at the intersection of story ambition, creative opportunity, and financial strategy.
A Strategic Expansion
According to production insiders, the decision to film several key episodes in Europe was driven by both narrative and practical needs. Season 8 reportedly opens with a multi-episode arc involving an international task force that draws Nolan and Bradford into a cross-border case linked to arms trafficking. The storyline, inspired by real international law enforcement partnerships, allows The Rookie to explore moral questions about policing beyond domestic boundaries.
Showrunner Alexi Hawley told TVLine, “We wanted to expand the world. The Rookie has always been about perspective — about seeing the job differently — and putting these characters in unfamiliar environments challenges who they are.”
Economic Logic and Production Incentives
Beyond storytelling, the move also reflects broader industry economics. Many U.S. television productions are increasingly using European locations to take advantage of tax incentives, flexible labor rules, and visually diverse settings. Budapest, in particular, has become a popular stand-in for multiple global cities, offering production values comparable to Los Angeles at a fraction of the cost.
ABC’s partnership with European production houses allows for higher cinematic quality without inflating the show’s budget — a crucial factor in keeping a network drama competitive with streaming platforms.
Maintaining the LA Identity
Despite the international shift, producers insist that The Rookie’s essence remains firmly anchored in Los Angeles. The majority of Season 8 will still be filmed on location in California, using European sequences as narrative extensions rather than replacements.
Eric Winter (Bradford) explained in an interview: “These scenes in Europe aren’t a departure — they’re a test. They push our characters into unknown territory while reminding them of where they come from.”
A Risk Worth Taking?
Some longtime fans have expressed concern that filming abroad could dilute the show’s distinctly Californian tone — its warm color palette, urban energy, and community-driven atmosphere. Yet if handled carefully, this expansion could instead signal maturity. Much like NCIS or FBI, The Rookie appears ready to evolve from a local procedural into a global franchise.
