ABC Shifts The Rookie to Mondays for RJ Decker Premiere

ABC announced a schedule shift for its long-running police procedural The Rookie, moving the series from its current Tuesday 10 p.m. slot to Mondays at 10 p.m. starting January 26. The change, effective after three episodes of Season 8, clears space for the network's new drama RJ Decker, set to premiere on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on March 3.

The Rookie, which premiered in 2018, follows John Nolan, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, as the Los Angeles Police Department's oldest rookie navigating challenges in law enforcement. Created by Alexi Hawley, the show features a ensemble cast including Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, and Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey. Season 8, which began airing on January 6, has introduced story developments such as a promotion for Sergeant Wade Grey and the formalization of the relationship between officers Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen.

The relocation positions The Rookie immediately following American Idol on Monday nights, with the remaining 15 episodes of the season slated to air without interruptions. This marks a departure from its traditional Tuesday placement, though the series has previously shifted...