The next case for the Mid-Wilshire division is almost here. The Rookie Season 8 Episode 5, titled “The Network,” is scheduled to air on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific Time on ABC. This episode marks a continued shift for the show, which has moved from its former Tuesday night slot to Monday nights. For viewers who cannot watch live, the episode will be available for streaming on Hulu starting at 5:00 AM ET on Tuesday, February 3. The upcoming installment promises a major case for Lt. Grey and a mysterious shooting for the patrol officers.
Episode 5 Story Details and Cast
The official description for “The Network” sets up a two-part story. The main plot follows Lt. Grey as he works with an FBI task force to dismantle a dangerous criminal organization. To help with the complex case, they bring in an old colleague, though the identity of this person has not been officially revealed. This storyline suggests a significant return for a familiar face, with some speculation pointing toward characters from the canceled spin-off The Rookie: Feds.
Meanwhile, the patrol officers face a tense situation of their own. John Nolan, his rookie trainee Miles Penn, Lucy Chen, and Celina Juarez will respond to a mysterious officer-involved shooting. The details of this incident and its connection to Grey’s federal case, if any, remain to be seen. The episode is expected to focus heavily on this single, interconnected story, bringing much of the main cast together for a high-stakes hour.
The full main cast is set to return, including Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, and Eric Winter as Tim Bradford. Alyssa Diaz (Angela Lopez) and Richard T. Jones (Lt. Wade Grey) are also confirmed to appear.
How to Watch The Rookie Season 8 Episode 5 Live and Online
For viewers in the United States, the primary way to watch Episode 5 as it airs is on the ABC network. If you have a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription, you can tune to your local ABC channel at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Monday, February 2.
For those who have cut the cord, several live TV streaming services carry ABC. These options include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- fuboTV
- DIRECTV Stream
Most of these services offer free trial periods for new subscribers. It is important to check that ABC is available in your specific local area through these platforms.
If you miss the live broadcast, Episode 5 will be available for on-demand streaming on Hulu the next morning, Tuesday, February 3, at 5:00 AM ET. Episodes from the current season are also typically available on ABC.com and the ABC app, though a login from a participating TV provider is usually required.
For international audiences, release schedules and platforms vary by country. New episodes of The Rookie often stream on Disney+ in many regions, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, though the release timing may differ from the U.S. schedule. Viewers should check their local Disney+ platform for the most accurate information.
The Rookie’s New Monday Night Schedule
The move to Monday nights is a notable change for the series, which had aired on Tuesdays for several seasons. This shift was part of ABC’s scheduling plans announced for the 2025-2026 season. For the first four episodes of Season 8, the show aired on Tuesday nights. However, beginning with Episode 5, the show settles into its new permanent slot on Mondays at 10:00 PM, following the two-hour broadcast of American Idol.
This scheduling move allows The Rookie to run its full 18-episode season without interruptions. A similar strategy was used for the show’s seventh season, which also aired in a continuous block during the winter and spring of 2025.
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Season 8 Context and Recent News
Season 8 premiered on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with an episode titled “Czech Mate” that involved an international case in Prague. The season introduces a new rookie, Miles Penn, a former Texas cop now being trained by John Nolan. The personal lives of the characters continue to be a focus, with the relationship between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (often called “Chenford” by fans) moving forward after a reconciliation.
Ahead of the season, the show earned positive industry recognition. The Rookie received two nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards, one for Outstanding Stunt Performance and another for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for Drama Programming. Cast members, including Eric Winter and Alyssa Diaz, shared their excitement about the nominations on social media.
Fans expressed disappointment last year when it was revealed Season 8 would be held for a midseason 2026 premiere instead of airing in the fall of 2025. Many commented on ABC’s social media, hoping the schedule would change. However, the network’s plan for an uninterrupted 18-episode run has now taken effect.
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