The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion, continues to grow in popularity as it prepares for its eighth season, which will premiere in January 2026. During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Fillion and executive producer Alexi Hawley shared details about the new season, including the announcement that the premiere episode was filmed overseas in Prague, marking a departure from the usual Los Angeles setting. This international episode features key characters such as Mekia Cox’s Detective Nyla Harper, Bridget Regan’s antagonist Monica Stevens, and Felix Solis’ FBI agent Matt Garza, who originally appeared in the canceled spinoff, The Rookie: Feds.
Hawley described their decision to film abroad, highlighting the team’s growing expertise:
“When I first said, hey, I want to go to Prague for Season 8, I got some looks, because that’s not a normal network television thing to do. But I think we can absorb it, because we’ve become really good at making the show.”
He also compared the international shoot’s vibe to a feeling of producing a James Bond-style project, saying it made them feel like they were making Casino Royale.
Challenges Filming in Los Angeles Amid Rising Fame
Despite filming the premiere in the Czech Republic, the core of The Rookie remains tied to its Los Angeles backdrop, which is essential for both story and atmosphere. The show’s increasing success has paradoxically made shooting on location more difficult. Nathan Fillion addressed this unique challenge at the Comic-Con panel, sharing how the show’s local popularity impacts production:
“It’s been a double-edged sword; our show is becoming very popular in Los Angeles. It is an added extra challenge that people driving by in a car will scream, ‘We love The Rookie,’ and then we have to cut, go back to the beginning. I’ll take it, though.”
This enthusiasm from locals underscores the show’s importance to the city’s industry workers and fans, despite the filming obstacles it creates. Productions moving away from Los Angeles has been a point of concern in recent years, so The Rookie’s commitment to filming there remains a positive aspect for residents and crew alike.
Looking Ahead: The Rookie’s Bright Future and Nathan Fillion’s Expanding Career
As The Rookie moves toward its eighth season, it shows no indication of slowing down, with possibilities of a ninth season depending on continued popularity. Nathan Fillion’s career is also flourishing beyond the show. He recently took on the role of Guy Gardner, Green Lantern, in James Gunn’s Superman film and is slated to appear in HBO’s upcoming series Lanterns. This expansion offers fans more chances to see Fillion in diverse roles outside The Rookie universe, demonstrating his ongoing versatility as an actor.
The sustained success of The Rookie, combined with the star power of Nathan Fillion and the production’s willingness to innovate—such as filming internationally—reflects a series that adapts creatively while remaining connected to its Los Angeles roots. These factors support a promising future both for the series and its cast.
