When The Rookie first premiered in 2018, it quickly became known for its sun-drenched Los Angeles backdrops, bustling city streets, and the iconic Mid-Wilshire police station — all of which rooted the show deeply in the heart of L.A. That’s why fans were caught off guard when photos began circulating online showing the cast and crew filming in several European cities for The Rookie Season 8. From London alleyways to the cobblestone streets of Prague, this international turn raised one big question: why is a show about LAPD officers suddenly shooting in Europe?
The answer, as it turns out, is a fascinating mix of story evolution, production opportunities, and creative ambition — marking one of the boldest moves The Rookie has made in years.
1. Expanding the Show’s Scope Beyond Los Angeles
At its core, The Rookie has always been about personal growth and second chances — embodied through John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a man who joined the LAPD in his 40s. But by Season 8, Nolan and his fellow officers have evolved far beyond their beginnings as rookies. Their cases have grown more complex, and their reach now extends well beyond local patrols.
According to sources close to the production, Season 8 will feature a special multi-episode storyline involving an international task force collaboration. This arc reportedly sends Nolan, Harper (Mekia Cox), and Bradford (Eric Winter) to Europe to track down a fugitive connected to a global arms network — a case that ties back to events from the previous season.
Showrunner Alexi Hawley hinted in an interview that the show “wanted to challenge the characters in a completely new environment — one that takes them far from their comfort zones, both personally and professionally.” Setting the story in Europe allows The Rookie to feel fresh while keeping the stakes high.
In short, filming overseas isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a narrative expansion. The LAPD might be their base, but this time, the mission calls for something much bigger than the streets of Los Angeles.
2. A Strategic Move for Visual and Creative Variety
After seven seasons primarily set in California, the production team faced a creative challenge: how to keep the visuals engaging. Los Angeles, as cinematic as it is, can begin to feel repetitive after years of police chases through familiar neighborhoods. Europe, on the other hand, offers a completely different cinematic flavor — ancient architecture, narrow streets, and a distinct cultural atmosphere that instantly elevates the tone of the show.
Cinematographer Andrew N. Gray revealed that filming in Europe has given The Rookie a “grittier, more cinematic look” reminiscent of international thrillers. The contrast between the polished LAPD world and the shadowy, unpredictable European setting will reportedly play a key role in the storytelling.
From a production standpoint, Europe’s diverse locations provide the perfect opportunity to depict new environments without relying too heavily on soundstage recreations or digital effects. Whether the scenes are set in London’s underworld, Berlin’s tech districts, or the canals of Venice, the series gains a rich texture that would be nearly impossible to replicate in Los Angeles.
3. Tax Incentives and International Partnerships
Behind every great creative decision lies a practical one. Europe has long been an attractive filming destination due to its generous production incentives. Countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, and the U.K. offer significant tax rebates — sometimes covering up to 30% of production costs.
Given The Rookie’s growing budget needs (especially after its ensemble cast expanded and action sequences became more elaborate), moving part of the shoot overseas makes economic sense. Filming abroad can stretch the show’s resources further while maintaining the high production quality fans expect.
In addition, ABC and Entertainment One — one of the show’s key production partners — have recently established stronger European ties, including partnerships with studios in London and Prague. Leveraging those resources allows The Rookie to film efficiently while tapping into a network of experienced international crews.
4. Cast and Crew Excitement About the Change
The decision to film in Europe wasn’t just about the story or budget — it’s also been a morale boost for the cast. Nathan Fillion posted on Instagram that filming overseas has been “one of the most creatively invigorating experiences” of his time on the show.
Eric Winter (Tim Bradford) also teased that the European setting will “push the characters into situations they’ve never faced before — both emotionally and logistically.” Fans can expect not just action and suspense, but also moments of humor as the characters adjust to being far from their usual beat.
Behind the scenes, the cast reportedly bonded even more closely during the European shoot, with several crew members calling it a “mini-reboot” for the series’ energy.
5. What It Means for the Future of The Rookie
The European episodes could mark a turning point for The Rookie. If successful, they might pave the way for more international arcs in future seasons — or even a possible spinoff centered around global policing collaborations.
This direction fits perfectly with the broader evolution of police procedurals, which are increasingly blending traditional case-of-the-week storytelling with serialized, globe-spanning plots. For The Rookie, whose identity has always been about adaptation and reinvention, Europe may represent its boldest reinvention yet.
Conclusion
While the Mid-Wilshire station will always be The Rookie’s home, Season 8’s decision to film in Europe underscores how far the show — and its characters — have come. What began as a grounded story about one man starting over in the LAPD is now an international adventure with cinematic ambition.
Filming in Europe isn’t about leaving Los Angeles behind; it’s about proving that The Rookie can grow beyond its origins while staying true to its heart. As the series enters its eighth season, this global expansion feels less like a departure and more like a natural evolution — one that promises to make The Rookie’s world bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever before.
