The second episode of The Rookie Season 8 arrives this week, shifting the action from an international crisis back to the streets of Los Angeles. Titled “Fast Andy,” the new episode airs on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (9:00 p.m. Central) on ABC. For viewers without cable, the episode will be available to stream on Hulu the following day, Wednesday, January 14. This episode features a high-stakes presidential visit, tests for a key character, and a new role for a fan favorite.
Release Time and Streaming Details for Episode 2
“Fast Andy” will premiere on the ABC network at its regular weekly time. The show occupies the 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET time slot, following another drama, High Potential. For audiences who prefer to watch live online or do not have a traditional cable subscription, several live TV streaming services carry ABC.
These services include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and DIRECTV Stream. Most of these platforms offer free trial periods for new users. The most common way to watch after the live broadcast is through Hulu. New episodes of The Rookie are added to Hulu for next-day streaming. This means Episode 2 will be on Hulu starting Wednesday, January 14.
For viewers outside the United States, availability varies. In Canada, new episodes are typically available for free streaming on CTV.ca for a limited time after release. However, audiences in the United Kingdom and Australia will have to wait. The new season is expected to arrive on Sky Witness in the UK and 7Plus in Australia, but not until much later, likely in the summer months.
What Happens in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 2 “Fast Andy”?
The plot of Episode 2 brings a major political figure to Los Angeles, raising the stakes for the Mid-Wilshire division. The official description states: “When the president visits Los Angeles, the LAPD teams up with the Secret Service to ensure his safety and assess any major threats on their watch list”.
This high-profile event will force the officers into a complex security partnership. Meanwhile, the episode will focus on several personal stories for the characters. Officer Miles Penn, played by Deric Augustine, will find his instincts put to the test during the chaos. Additionally, Sergeant Tim Bradford, portrayed by Eric Winter, is set to take on a new role within the department. The nature of this role has not been detailed, but it marks a significant development for his character.
The episode follows a major season premiere that took the team to Prague for an international mission involving the FBI and Interpol. Episode 1, “Czech Mate,” also featured the return of former intelligence operative Monica Stevens, played by Bridget Regan, who is working with the LAPD under a controversial immunity deal.
Full Cast and Characters for The Rookie Season 8
The core cast of The Rookie returns for the new season. The series revolves around Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, the once-oldest rookie who is now a training officer. The main ensemble includes:
- Melissa O’Neil as Officer Lucy Chen
- Eric Winter as Sergeant Tim Bradford
- Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey
- Alyssa Diaz as Detective Angela Lopez
- Mekia Cox as Detective Nyla Harper
- Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers
- Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune
- Lisseth Chavez as Officer Celina Juarez
Recurring and guest stars for Season 8 include Bridget Regan as Monica Stevens and Deric Augustine as Officer Miles Penn. Augustine’s character, Miles, is specifically highlighted as having his instincts tested in the upcoming Episode 2.
How to Watch The Rookie from Anywhere
For international fans or those traveling abroad, watching The Rookie at the same time as the U.S. release can be challenging due to regional broadcasting delays. The season will not be immediately available in markets like the UK and Australia. Some viewers use Virtual Private Network (VPN) services to access U.S. streaming platforms like Hulu from other countries, though this must be done in compliance with the terms of service of those platforms.
In Canada, a free and legal option is available. CTV often makes new episodes available to stream for free on its website, CTV.ca, for a limited window after they air. This provides a straightforward way for Canadian viewers to stay current.
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The Rookie Season 8 Episode Schedule and Future
ABC has confirmed the titles and details for the first three episodes of Season 8. The schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1: “Czech Mate” – Aired Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
- Episode 2: “Fast Andy” – Airs Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
- Episode 3: “The Red Place” – Airs Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Episode 3 will involve Nolan making a quiet arrest, while Lucy and Celina work a kidnapping case. It will also feature Miles meeting someone from his past. Season 8 is planned to have a total of 18 episodes, matching the length of the previous season. As for the show’s future beyond Season 8, ABC has not yet announced a renewal for Season 9. However, the show’s ratings remain strong, and both star Nathan Fillion and creator Alexi Hawley have expressed a desire to continue the series.
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