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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Rookie Season 8 began on ABC on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m. Central. After its first three Tuesday episodes, the series moved to Mondays at the same time: episode 4 aired January 26, following American Idol. The change was announced January 14, after the premiere.
When did The Rookie switch from Tuesday to Monday?
The first three episodes of Season 8 aired Tuesdays: January 6, 13 and 20, 2026. Episode 4 started the Monday schedule on January 26 at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m. Central. TV Insider and TVLine reported the change and its timing (TV Insider; TVLine).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Rookie | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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The Sandlot | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
![D-BOYS BOY FRIEND SERIES vol.8 高橋龍輝 SUPER ROOKIE [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ok7slQb-L._SL160_.jpg)
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D-BOYS BOY FRIEND SERIES vol.8 高橋龍輝 SUPER ROOKIE [DVD] | $42.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Lego Hero Factory: Rise of the Rookies [DVD] [2011]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61fpOaRZjkL._SL160_.jpg)
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Lego Hero Factory: Rise of the Rookies [DVD] [2011] | $31.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Training Day | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Season 8 schedule at a glance
| Part of the season | U.S. ABC broadcast night and time | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere and episodes 2–3 | Tuesdays, 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT | January 6, 13 and 20, 2026 |
| Episode 4 onward | Mondays, 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT, following American Idol | Beginning January 26, 2026 |
TheWrap listed the remaining episodes on successive Mondays through episode 18 on May 4. ABC’s episode listing displays May 5 for episode 18, a one-day difference the available reporting does not explain (TheWrap; ABC episode listing). TVLine and TheWrap described episodes 4–18 as airing without rerun interruptions (TVLine; TheWrap).
Why did ABC change the night?
The schedule reports establish that ABC confirmed the move and that RJ Decker was set to take the Tuesday 10 p.m. slot beginning March 3, according to TVLine. They do not provide a direct explanation from ABC for why The Rookie moved, so the lineup context should not be treated as a confirmed reason for the decision.
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How did the premiere perform?
TheWrap reported that the Season 8 premiere drew nearly 8 million total viewers after three days across ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, up 6% from the previous season’s premiere. TheWrap also said the opener set a series streaming-premiere record based on seven days of views on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. These are reported audience figures; they do not establish that viewership prompted the schedule change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What night is The Rookie on now?
The Monday change described here applied to the completed 2026 Season 8 run on U.S. ABC. It is not a current or upcoming schedule announcement. The cited schedule information does not establish a Season 9 premiere date or broadcast night. TheWrap reported next-day Hulu streaming during the Season 8 run, but present-day availability and schedules outside the United States are not established here.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
