The eighth season of The Rookie is here, bringing back the action and personal drama fans love. Nathan Fillion and Jenna Dewan, who play fan-favorite couple John Nolan and Bailey Nune, recently opened up about their characters’ journey. They discussed everything from a chaotic second honeymoon to the serious possibility of starting a family through adoption.
A Second Honeymoon in Prague Marred by Action
For their season eight premiere, John and Bailey head to Prague on an international mission with the FBI. The couple sees the stunning location as a chance for a romantic do-over. As Dewan explained, “Our first honeymoon was a bit of a bust. It was a lot of murder” . She added, “this one felt like, well, while we’re here, let’s make this romantic” .
However, true to the show’s nature, their plans quickly shift. The mission turns into a high-stakes “super spy sting” operation. Both actors compared the experience to a big-screen adventure.
“It felt like we were in the midst of a film, an action film. It was so cool,” said Dewan. “I felt very, very badass.” Fillion agreed, noting, “It felt like a James Bond movie. It really did.”
Despite the chaos, they find moments to bond. “There’s lots of unexpected yet bonding, adrenaline scenes,” Dewan shared, confirming that even their best-laid plans for romance never quite work out smoothly.
Adoption and Family Plans on the Table for John and Bailey
Beyond the action, this season explores deeper emotional territory for John and Bailey. A significant topic for the couple is the potential of becoming parents. Dewan confirmed that adoption is a serious consideration for their characters.
“And for John and Bailey, that would involve a possible adoption, and I think that’s really beautiful and shows that family can be in all different types and forms,” Dewan said. “It is a want. It is something they feel, and they process whether or not they will make that decision.”
This storyline adds a new layer of depth to their relationship as they navigate what building a family looks like for them. Dewan emphasized that this season puts the couple through significant emotional challenges together, making their connection stronger.
The Cast Teases an Explosive and Bigger Season
The entire cast has promised that the eighth season is their most ambitious yet. The action kicks off internationally but continues back home in Los Angeles with intense missions, including a major operation at the docks. The cast used words like “explosive,” “bigger than ever,” and “bigger, bolder, better” to describe the new episodes.
Shawn Ashmore, who plays Wesley Evers, stated, “The action this season is honestly bigger than ever. I do feel like… this is our biggest season”. Eric Winter (Tim Bradford) and Melissa O’Neil (Lucy Chen) both summed up the season with the word “explosiveness”.
The season also promises to quickly address personal cliffhangers. The finale of season seven left fans of “Chenford” – the pairing of Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen – on edge when Lucy fell asleep just as Tim was proposing they move in together. Showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed the premiere is a “must-watch for ‘Chenford’ fans,” and O’Neil said the aftermath of Tim’s proposal will be addressed “near the beginning” of the new season.
Nathan Fillion’s Long-Term Vision for The Rookie
As the show enters its eighth season, star and producer Nathan Fillion has a clear vision for its future. In a recent interview, he expressed his deep commitment to the series and his character, John Nolan.
“In 10 years, I would like to be just wrapping up The Rookie, maybe handing it off to someone else,” Fillion said. He even joked about a “soft retirement” that involves visiting the set of multiple spin-off series he imagines will be running.
Fillion described the show as “comfort food” for audiences, a balance of excitement, intensity, and humor where “things will be okay”. His long-term dedication suggests fans can expect more of the show’s unique blend of crime-solving and character-driven stories for years to come.
Also Read:
How and When to Watch the New Season
The Rookie season eight premiered on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT on ABC. New episodes air weekly in this time slot. For viewers who stream, each episode becomes available on Hulu the day after it airs on ABC. The new season is scheduled for a full, uninterrupted run of 18 episodes.
Also Read: Idol I Episode 7: Release Date, Time, Streaming Details and Major Fallout Revealed
