ABC’s primetime hit The Rookie has evolved significantly over the years, and the introduction of Prague, Czech Republic, as the filming location for season 8 has actor Nathan Fillion (John Nolan) and executive producer Alexi Hawley discussing the pros and cons. Premiering in 2018, the show originally focused on Nolan’s rookie experience of trying to become an LAPD cop at 40 years old.
However, The Rookie‘s cast of characters is large, and the focus has expanded to include their story arcs and explore all levels of the department. As the characters have gotten promotions, been met with tragedy, or had personal setbacks, their roles have expanded beyond the initial “rookie” perspective to touch on broader law enforcement topics.
Now, The Rookie season 8 introduces the show’s biggest change and storyline expansion yet as Prague enters the arena as the filming location. Moreover, Fillion and Hawley have pointed views on what the change may remedy – and cause.
Nathan Fillion Admits Filming The Rookie In Los Angeles Has Gotten Challenging
Fillion made his comments during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, which ScreenRant’s Rachel Foertsch attended. Speaking as part of a panel with Hawley, Fillion relayed his excitement about filming The Rookie season 8 in Prague.
The change of location will weirdly solve one growing problem. The Rookie has gained huge popularity in Los Angeles, the primary filming location since the show’s debut. However, Fillion discussed that the show’s locale has 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] cut, go back to the beginning. I’ll take it, though.”
While the move is a big change for the general feeling of the show, it will mitigate some of the Los Angeles filming issues. Since the face of The Rookie in Fillion feels good about the move, that adds an element of excitement to season 8’s digression.
The Rookie Season 8 Filming In Prague Solves The Show’s Filming Problem
A Changing Viewer Experience
While moving filming locations does solve the issue of public visibility and fan reaction, it may come at a cost. Since the Los Angeles filming problem had to do with its popularity, signaling a huge interest in the show, moving to Prague gives The Rookie fans an opportunity to enjoy the appeal of a European locale.
A new, more cinematic experience could be present as spy-thriller elements are introduced via the Prague setting. However, there are other behind-the-scenes factors for fans to think about. While examining The Rookie‘s decision to move to Prague, Hawley made a reference to the budget restrictions that come with filming network TV.
“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’m like ‘we can absorb it,’ because we’ve gotten really good at making the show.”
Being that Hawley grazed over the possibility of financial pitfalls, the concern for The Rookie to encounter budget issues may not be the biggest potentially negative factor season 8 has to contend with.
Related
The Rookie Season 8 Behind-The-Scenes Images & Videos Reveal The Cast Filming Abroad For The First Time
Images and video from the set of The Rookie reveal that the cast is filming abroad for the first time, marking a major milestone for the hit show.
The New Location Sets Up Other Challenges For The Rookie’s Future
How Will The Rookie Season 8 Be Received?
The Rookie taking place in Prague in season 8 may not have budget concerns as outlined by Hawley, and the new filming location may entice viewers as opposed to deter them, but there are other challenges to think about.
Logistically, The Rookie is getting an overhaul, which may result in different pitfalls the show hasn’t encountered before. Managing permits, equipment transport, visas, work permits, and accommodations for cast and crew are something production has to think about when trying to make filming season 8’s production as efficient as possible.
|
The Rookie Season 8 Cast |
Character |
|---|---|
|
Nathan Fillion |
John Nolan |
|
Richard T. Jones |
Wade Grey |
|
Alyssa Diaz |
Angela Lopez |
|
Eric Winter |
Tim Bradford |
|
Melissa O’Neil |
Lucy Chen |
|
Mekia Cox |
Nyla Harper |
|
Shawn Ashmore |
Wesley Evers |
|
Jenna Dewan |
Bailey Nune |
|
Lisseth Chavez |
Celina Juarez |
|
Deric Augustine |
Miles Penn |
Filming for The Rookie season 8 could also take more time and effort, which raises the concern about when fans can expect the series’ return, since there’s no hard premiere date. The location change to Prague comes with pros and cons, but both Fillion and Hawley seem on board with the drastic shift.
Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
SIGN UP NOW
- Created by
-
Alexi Hawley
- First Episode Air Date
-
October 16, 2018
- Cast
-
Nathan Fillion, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Jenna Dewan, Lisseth Chavez, Tru Valentino, Afton Williamson, mercedes mason, Titus Makin Jr.
The Rookie is a police procedural drama that follows John Nolan, a 40-something man who becomes the oldest rookie in the Los Angeles Police Department. Based on the real-life story of LAPD officer William Norcross, the show combines action, crime drama, and character-driven storytelling. It explores Nolan’s late-in-life career shift and the challenges he and his fellow officers face on and off the job.
