Monday nights on ABC will look a little different beginning on Jan. 26, 2026. Not only because American Idol officially returns with a new season, but because one of the network's most popular procedural dramas is taking up residence in its brand-new timeslot. That's right, The Rookie will no long air on Tuesday nights after High Potential.
ABC announced the scheduling change earlier this month. The Rookie season 8 vacates its usual Tuesdays at 10/9c timeslot and moves up one day to air on Mondays at 10/9c. Overall, it's not the most monumental change, but some fans might be confused if they tune into ABC on Tuesday night and expect The Rookie to air after its fellow his procedurals.
The Rookie season 8 debuts in its new timeslot on Monday, Jan. 26 behind the American Idol season 24 premiere, which begins at 8/7c with a two-hour audition episode. For those who became used to watching the show on Tuesday nights, new episodes will now become available to stream on Hulu (and Disney+ if you have a bundle subscription) on Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays.
The Rookie moves to Monday nights on Jan. 26 after American Idol
While it seems too early in to the season for The Rookie to be abruptly moved from closing out Tuesday nights, ABC's clearly looking to kick off the week with a strong evening of programming. American Idol consistently pulls in a sizable viewership, and as one of the longest-running shows on the network, The Rookie can be expected to continue to pull in viewers at 10 p.m.
The Rookie season 8 episode 4, titled "Cut and Run," begins the show's Monday night journey with an episode that sounds too enticing to miss: "While out in the city, Nolan and Bailey witness a murder in public and immediately spring into action in the hopes of finding the person responsible. Meanwhile, Angela and Wesley have a big life decision that may affect their future."
Even though most shows would likely suffer from momentum loss by abruptly being yanked around the schedule, ABC knows The Rookie remains a significant draw both on-the-night and on streaming. Fans will follow the show wherever it goes to see Nolan's latest cast and find out what big life decision Angela and Wesley make. The move also makes way for a new future favorite show.
If you're wondering why The Rookie got the boot from Tuesday nights, ABC will launch the new procedural drama RJ Decker on March 3. Scott Speedman stars in the forthcoming series that's set to air directly after High Potential. ABC could have kept The Rookie put until March, but teaming up with American Idol isn't an opportunity to waste. It's a win-win for fans of both shows!
Don't miss The Rookie season 8's move to Monday nights beginning on Jan. 26 at 10/9c immediately following the American Idol season 24 premiere, streaming next day on Hulu.