The Rookie Season 8 continues with Episode 7, titled “Baja,” scheduled for release on February 16, 2026, on ABC and Hulu. Following the explosive events of the Valentine’s Day episode, this new installment sends two main characters on an undercover mission far from Los Angeles. The episode promises to focus on a serious criminal investigation while exploring the new challenges in John Nolan’s personal life.
The show airs on ABC at 10/9c on Monday nights. For viewers who prefer streaming, new episodes are available on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. This schedule applies to audiences across the United States, Canada, and Australia. International viewers should check their local Disney+ platforms, as the series often releases new episodes there shortly after the U.S. broadcast.
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 7 Release Date and Global Streaming Times
The confirmed release date for The Rookie Season 8 Episode 7 is Sunday, February 16, 2026. The episode will premiere on the ABC television network at 10:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM Central).
For viewers who do not watch live on ABC, the episode will be available for streaming on Hulu starting at approximately 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Monday, February 17. This is the standard release pattern for the series.
Global audiences can access the episode through the following services:
- United States: ABC (live) and Hulu (next day).
- Canada: Citytv often airs episodes concurrently with the U.S. broadcast.
- Australia: The series is available on Disney+.
- United Kingdom and Europe: Disney+ is the primary streaming home for The Rookie.
Cast and Characters in The Rookie Episode 7 “Baja”
Episode 7, “Baja,” will feature the show’s core cast. The main actors returning for this episode include Nathan Fillion as Officer John Nolan and Jenna Dewan as his wife, Firefighter Bailey Nune. Their evolving relationship, now facing a long-distance arrangement, will be a key part of the story.
The episode’s central plot involves an undercover operation, bringing several main characters to the forefront. Melissa O’Neil returns as Sergeant Lucy Chen, and Mekia Cox reprises her role as Detective Nyla Harper. The official plot summary indicates that Harper and Chen go undercover in Baja to investigate a murder.
The rest of the Mid-Wilshire team will also appear. This includes Eric Winter as Sergeant Tim Bradford, Alyssa Diaz as Detective Angela Lopez, Shawn Ashmore as D.A. Wesley Evers, and Richard T. Jones as Lieutenant Wade Grey. The newer generation of officers, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez and Deric Augustine as Miles Penn, are also confirmed to return.
Episode 7 “Baja” Story Details and Plot Preview
The official synopsis reveals that Episode 7 will split its narrative between two major locations. The primary investigation will take place in Baja, Mexico. Detective Nyla Harper and Sergeant Lucy Chen go undercover there to investigate the murder of two young women. This suggests a case with international implications that takes the officers outside their usual jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team continues their work back in Los Angeles. The plot summary states that Sergeant Tim Bradford and the FBI task force will assist in the investigation from the L.A. end. This likely means coordinating intelligence and support for Harper and Chen’s dangerous undercover mission.
The personal storyline for John Nolan and Bailey Nune will also progress. The synopsis notes that the couple will be “navigating their long-distance relationship”. This follows the major decision in Episode 6, where Nolan encouraged Bailey to accept a job in Washington, D.C., after initially opposing the move. Episode 7 will show the first steps in making this difficult arrangement work.
What Happened in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 6 “Burn 4 Love”
The previous episode, which aired on February 9, 2026, set several key storylines in motion. The Valentine’s Day-themed installment centered on an arsonist setting fires around the city. During the investigation, a bomb detonated at the police station, injuring several characters, including Officer Miles Penn.
The most significant development involved John Nolan and Bailey Nune. After much conflict, Bailey decided to turn down the job in Washington, D.C., choosing to stay in Los Angeles with Nolan. In a turn of events, Nolan then encouraged her to take the job, believing their relationship was strong enough to withstand the distance. They ended the episode planning to try a long-distance relationship.
Other subplots saw Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford exchanging meaningful Valentine’s gifts after some comedic mishaps. The legal storyline involving serial killer Liam Glasser took a serious turn. D.A. Wesley Evers was forced to report Detective Nyla Harper to Internal Affairs after a threat she made against Glasser was exposed during a deposition. This professional rift created tension with his wife, Angela Lopez, who is Harper’s best friend and partner.
Fan Reactions and Questions Ahead of Episode 7
Following Episode 6, a primary topic among fans is the sustainability of Nolan and Bailey’s long-distance plan. Comments on social media and entertainment forums express doubt, with many feeling the arrangement is a recipe for new problems. Fans are eager to see how the show handles this major test for one of its central couples.
The undercover mission to Baja has also generated interest. Sending Harper and Chen out of the country is a notable shift for the series. Fans of the “Chenford” relationship (Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford) have expressed concern on social media about the dangers Lucy will face while undercover, with one fan page noting, “Tim’s not going to know peace this season”.
The lingering Internal Affairs investigation into Nyla Harper promises significant professional consequences. Viewers are waiting to see how this affects her role as a detective and her friendships with Angela Lopez and Wesley Evers. The fallout from this storyline is expected to extend through several upcoming episodes.
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