The Rookie's Future on ABC Uncertain After Season 8's Costly Prague Episode

The hit police procedural faces budget cuts for Season 9 despite its recent success.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rookie, ABC's popular police procedural starring Nathan Fillion, is headed for an uncertain future on the network. While the show has found great success in recent seasons, including a groundbreaking international episode filmed in Prague for Season 8, it now faces major budget cuts for its upcoming ninth season. This cost-cutting move by ABC is baffling given the show's strong viewership and critical acclaim, raising questions about the network's priorities and the show's ability to maintain its ensemble cast and high production values.

Why it matters

The Rookie has carved out a unique niche in the crowded police procedural genre by balancing its professional plots with compelling personal storylines for its ensemble cast. The decision to slash the show's budget for Season 9 after investing in an expensive international shoot the previous year seems at odds with the network's apparent faith in the series. This move could jeopardize the show's ability to deliver the same level of quality that has made it a standout hit.

The details

For Season 8, ABC made the unexpected decision to open the season with a groundbreaking international episode filmed in Prague, an anomaly for a network police procedural. This costly decision seemed to pay off, as the episode, titled "Czech Mate," was well-received by viewers and critics. However, in conjunction with the show's Season 9 renewal, ABC has now announced plans to implement major budget cuts, likely resulting in a shorter overall season and/or decreased episodic appearances for the show's regular cast members. This cost-cutting measure is typically reserved for long-running shows, making the decision for The Rookie all the more puzzling.

  • The Rookie premiered on ABC in October 2018.
  • Season 8 of The Rookie premiered in 2025, featuring the international episode "Czech Mate" filmed in Prague.
  • ABC has renewed The Rookie for a ninth season, but with significant budget cuts.

The players

The Rookie

An ABC police procedural series that has found success by balancing its professional plots with compelling personal storylines for its ensemble cast.

Nathan Fillion

The lead actor of The Rookie, playing the central character of John Nolan.

Alexi Hawley

The creator and showrunner of The Rookie.

ABC

The television network that airs The Rookie and has renewed the show for a ninth season, despite plans to implement significant budget cuts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The details of how the budget cuts will impact The Rookie's ninth season, including the potential for a shorter overall season or decreased appearances by the show's regular cast members, are still uncertain. Fans will have to wait for more information from the network and the show's producers to understand the full implications of these cost-saving measures.

The takeaway

The Rookie's future on ABC is now uncertain, as the network's decision to renew the show for a ninth season while simultaneously implementing significant budget cuts seems at odds with the series' recent success and critical acclaim. This move raises questions about ABC's priorities and the network's ability to maintain the show's high production values and ensemble cast chemistry that have made it a standout hit.