The long wait for fans of the hit police drama The Rookie is nearly over. The show, starring Nathan Fillion, will premiere its eighth season on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, promising a significant shift from its Los Angeles roots with a new international storyline.

For Kenyan viewers, this news is especially welcome, as the series has been steadily climbing Netflix's top 10 charts in the country. The new season will not just deliver the precinct drama fans love, but will expand its universe, taking Officer John Nolan and his team into a global operation set in Prague.

New Season, New Stakes

ABC, the show's home network, officially renewed the series for an 18-episode eighth season on April 3, 2025. The season premiere, titled "Czech Mate," will see the LAPD team collaborating with the FBI and Interpol to track down high-value terrorist targets and dismantle a weapons trafficking network. This marks the first time the show has filmed a major storyline abroad, a move producers noted was made to give the season a more "supersized" and cinematic feel.

The recently released trailer showcases an action-packed mission in Prague, hinting at tense alliances and personal conflicts. While key cast members like Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, and Jenna Dewan were spotted filming in the Czech Republic, the storyline will also follow events back in Los Angeles, ensuring the entire Mid-Wilshire team is involved.

How to Watch in Kenya

While the series will air live on ABC in the United States, Kenyan fans have several ways to keep up with the latest episodes.

• Netflix: The show has found a significant audience on Netflix in Kenya, where previous seasons are available for streaming.
• Hulu: New episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the day after their U.S. broadcast, which is a viable option for viewers with access to the service.
• Showmax: Showmax has previously streamed seasons of The Rookie, making it another platform to watch for new episode announcements.

The U.S. premiere is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, which translates to 6 a.m. East Africa Time (EAT) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Viewers on streaming platforms can likely expect the new episodes to be available shortly after.

With its blend of action, humour, and character-driven drama, the show's leap to an international stage is set to be its most ambitious chapter yet. As showrunner Alexi Hawley teased, the new season will challenge all the characters, promising a dynamic and compelling story arc for both new and long-time fans.