The current season of The Rookie is moving fast, and fans are already looking ahead to the next installment. After a schedule change that moved the show to Monday nights, the eighth episode of Season 8 is now just around the corner. Viewers want to know exactly when they can see what happens next at the Mid-Wilshire division. The episode, titled “Grand Theft Aircraft,” is set to bring more action and personal drama for John Nolan and the team.
The show has been delivering weekly cases while also weaving in longer story arcs involving fan-favorite characters like Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) . With the season hitting its midpoint, the upcoming episode promises to raise the stakes. Here is everything you need to know about when and where to watch The Rookie Season 8 Episode 8.
When Does The Rookie Season 8 Episode 8 Come Out?
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 8 is scheduled to air on Monday, February 23, 2026. The show continues to hold its new time slot at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 9:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) on ABC .
This episode follows the pattern set after the show’s move from Tuesday to Monday nights back in January. The episode is part of the 18-episode order for the season, meaning there is plenty more story to tell as the year progresses .
What Time Does Episode 8 Air Around the World?
For viewers in different time zones across the United States, the air time shifts accordingly. The show airs live on ABC, so your local ABC affiliate will carry the episode at the standard time.
- Eastern Time (ET): 10:00 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 9:00 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 8:00 p.m. (check local listings, as schedules can vary)
- Pacific Time (PT): 7:00 p.m.
For international viewers, the release schedule varies depending on local broadcasters. In the UK, fans are still waiting for an official premiere date for Season 8 on Sky, though it is expected to arrive later in 2026 . In Germany, streaming platform Sky X has listed specific dates for German-dubbed episodes, with Episode 8 scheduled for March 27, 2026 .
What Is ‘Grand Theft Aircraft’ About?
The title of the episode, “Grand Theft Aircraft,” gives a strong hint about the central crime the team will have to tackle. While ABC has not yet released the full official synopsis for Episode 8, early spoilers suggest the case will involve a major aviation-related theft, forcing Nolan and the others to step up .
Beyond the big case of the week, the episode is also expected to focus on personal relationships. After recent events in the season, Lucy and Tim are navigating their complicated dynamic. Spoilers indicate that Episode 8 will bring a “surprise” for the two of them, which could change the direction of their relationship moving forward . The episode is shaping up to mix high-stakes action with the character-driven moments the show is known for.
Where to Watch The Rookie Season 8 Episode 8
Viewers in the US have multiple options to catch the new episode as soon as it comes out.
Watching Live on TV
The most traditional way to watch is by tuning into ABC at the scheduled time. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, or even an over-the-air antenna, you can watch the broadcast live as it happens.
Streaming Next-Day on Hulu
For those who prefer streaming, Hulu remains the primary destination. New episodes of The Rookie are available to stream on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. This means Episode 8 will be available on Hulu starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026 .
Hulu offers various subscription plans, including options with and without ads. Viewers can also access the show through Hulu + Live TV, which allows them to watch the episode live as it airs without needing a separate cable subscription .
Streaming on Other Platforms
Episodes are also available on ABC.com and the ABC app, but you usually need to log in with a TV provider to watch them there. Disney+ also streams new episodes of The Rookie in some international markets, and in the US, it is part of the Disney Bundle that includes Hulu .
The Schedule Change and What It Means
Fans should remember that The Rookie permanently moved to Monday nights starting January 26, 2026 . This was a shift from its original Tuesday slot. The change was made to accommodate ABC’s new Tuesday night lineup, but the show has maintained its 10 p.m. timeslot.
Viewers who recorded the show on their DVRs during the first part of the season needed to update their recording schedules to make sure they don’t miss Episode 8 now that it is firmly established on Monday nights.
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What to Expect for the Rest of Season 8
With 18 episodes ordered, The Rookie Season 8 still has a long way to go after Episode 8. The show continues to balance intense police work with the personal lives of the officers at Mid-Wilshire. Creator Alexi Hawley has teased that controversial characters like Seth Ridley (Patrick Keleher) will appear a “few more times” this season, suggesting that storylines involving redemption and past mistakes are far from over .
Ratings for the show remain strong, and while ABC has not yet ordered a ninth season, the creative team has expressed interest in keeping the show running for many more years . For now, fans can look forward to Episode 8 and the chaos that comes with a title like “Grand Theft Aircraft.”
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