ABC

The Rookie Season 8, Episode 1 Preview: ‘Czech Mate’

Following the events of The Rookie Season 7 Episode 18, taking the photos, promo, and synopsis as a starting point, let’s speculate about The Rookie Season 8 Episode 1 ‘Czech Mate’ AKA the season premiere! FINALLY.

This episode, which is the Season premiere, takes the team to Prague, especially Nyla and Nolan, to catch high-profile terrorists with Monica’s help. And yes, we know that sounds very dangerous because no one can trust our favorite shady lawyer.

She always has her own agenda…and it’s not exactly helping the LAPD. We think Monica is going to risk everything to keep her own skin safe without having to keep her promises. We don’t think she’s interested in ratting out some dangerous criminals…or betraying her clients. But we just hope the team figures out her true intentions in time. And that the show explains Bailey’s presence in Prague as if she were just another member of the team. Please and thank you.

Back in Los Angeles, it looks like Grey is going to surprise Luna at her job, and we love him for it. We can’t wait to see Luna’s reaction! Grey is such a romantic and definitely knows how to make his wife feel special, no matter how long they’ve been married.

As for Chenford, we barely know anything, but we hope they pick up where they left off last season. It’s a good place to start the journey toward reconciliation. After all, Tim opened his heart to Lucy; she was asleep…but it doesn’t look like Tim is going to back down. Lucy loves him, but she’s still heartbroken and afraid to take another chance with Tim. Lucy knows she wouldn’t survive having her heart broken again. Tim is going to have to fight to win Lucy’s trust back.

MORE: Everything We Know About The Rookie Season 8

Photos

Here’re the photos for the hour:

Synopsis

Here is the synopsis for Season 8 Episode 1 ‘Czech Mate’:

The LAPD, FBI and Interpol work with Monica Stevens in Prague to target high-value terrorists operating within and outside the United States.

MORE: What’s Next for Chenford in The Rookie Season 8?

The cast recaps where the characters are at the start of Season 8 and we love it!

From being held hostage in the desert to running an international operation in Prague 📍 See what's next for Nolan when #TheRookie premieres Tuesday, January 6 on ABC and stream on Hulu! pic.twitter.com/KHA8LR9Lc6
— The Rookie (@therookie) December 29, 2025

Our Sleeping Beauty Lucy wakes up for the season premiere of #TheRookie, next Tuesday, January 6 on ABC! 👑 Stream on Hulu. pic.twitter.com/0F6aestjdH
— The Rookie (@therookie) December 30, 2025

Lt. Grey is bringing that 👏determination👏 into the new season of #TheRookie. Don't miss the premiere Tuesday at 10/9c on ABC and stream on Hulu! pic.twitter.com/42gFkDde30
— The Rookie (@therookie) December 31, 2025

Wife, mother, BFF, and icon Angela Lopez has more in store this season ✨ Catch the premiere Tuesday at 10/9c on ABC and stream on Hulu! pic.twitter.com/8nPWLAS8yF
— The Rookie (@therookie) January 1, 2026

That cliffhanger that's had us all on the edge of our seats? Find out what happens when #TheRookie premieres Tuesday at 10/9c on ABC! Stream on Hulu. pic.twitter.com/xDih0SDgvp
— The Rookie (@therookie) January 2, 2026

Quite a few things happened with Nyla last season, but our girl is stronger than ever 💪 See what's next on the premiere of #TheRookie, Tuesday at 10/9c on ABC and stream on Hulu. pic.twitter.com/6NPZ035qUh
— The Rookie (@therookie) January 2, 2026

Here is the promo for the episode:

The Rookie Season 8 airs Tuesdays at 10 pm on ABC.

Raquel Morales

I’m passionate about strong women, complex characters and a ship that unites the two, but above all, I love writing about them and unraveling the intricacies behind each character. The need to put those thoughts into words was what led me to become a critic. The time as a professional one taught me that writing is an art and, therefore, it never stops changing and offering new experiences.