The eighth season of ABC’s police procedural The Rookie opens far from its Los Angeles setting, placing its characters amid the historic streets, bridges and squares of Prague. Filmed on location in the Czech capital last summer, the season premiere marks the first time the long-running series has staged a full episode overseas, using real landmarks to anchor its story rather than standing in for another European city.
From its opening moments, the episode positions Prague not simply as a backdrop but as an active presence. Wide establishing shots of the city introduce viewers to a summer setting of blue skies and busy streets, setting the tone for an episode that blends sightseeing, character-driven humor and a high-stakes action plot. The result is a rare example of an American network drama presenting contemporary Prague as itself, rather than a generic or disguised European location.
The premiere also reflects Prague’s continued appeal to international productions, following recent high-profile shoots such as The Gray Man, which similarly used recognizable locations in the historic city center. In The Rookie, however, the focus is less on spectacle and more on weaving the city organically into the narrative of its central characters.
Prague as Prague: local landmarks on screen
The episode opens with sweeping shots of Mánesův most, with Prague Castle and Petřín Hill visible in the background, immediately establishing the setting. A full-screen title card reading “Prague” appears over Jan Palach Square and the Rudolfinum, the neo-Renaissance concert hall that doubles in the episode as a luxury hotel.
Notably, the broadcast version of the episode in the United States includes a Czech-language title card, “Zelenáč,” before transitioning to The Rookie. It is a small detail, but one that nicely underscores the production’s willingness to acknowledge the local language and setting rather than smoothing it over for international audiences.
Throughout the episode, Prague is presented in a series of exterior sequences that highlight both its historic core and more contemporary districts. Characters move through Old Town Square, pausing near the Jan Hus Memorial and the Astronomical Clock, before continuing along side streets in the Old Town, including Kožná. A brief fight scene unfolds outside Restaurace U Dvou velbloudů.
Multiple sequences showcase Charles Bridge, one of Prague’s most recognizable landmarks, while a fictional café named La Luna is realized using a real location in Malá Strana, beneath the bridge. The outdoor garden of Restaurace U Jezulátka stands in convincingly for the fictional riverside café.
The climactic action takes place at the Invalidovna complex in Prague 8, with both exterior and interior courtyard spaces utilized. Visual effects simulate gunfire within the historic Baroque structure, blending modern action beats with a location rarely seen in American television.
The Rookie loves Prague
The episode leans into the novelty of its European setting through character interactions and dialogue, showcasing some real appreciation for Prague rather than just using the city as a backdrop.
Early on, Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan surprises a hotel bellhop with a polite “Děkuju.” Monica Stevens, portrayed by Bridget Regan, remarks, “Did you know that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world?” before persuading Nolan and Bailey Nolan (Jenna Dewan) to accompany her on an impromptu sightseeing walk. The final scene returns to Charles Bridge, where Fillion’s character looks out over the city and quietly remarks, “Wow… Beautiful.”
The characters’ admiration for the Czech capital was also reflected by the actors. Fillion described filming in Prague as feeling “like a James Bond movie,” noting the contrast between the show’s usual police uniforms and the more cinematic European setting. Dewan echoed the sentiment, describing the experience as resembling an action film, while still maintaining the series’ trademark mix of humor, suspense and character banter.
Despite the lighthearted moments, production in Prague was not without challenges. Regan was briefly hospitalized during filming after suffering food poisoning, an incident she later described publicly while praising the care she received from local medical staff.
The premiere episode concludes with a familiar callback for longtime viewers: a busker on Charles Bridge singing Daddy Cop, a recurring song from earlier seasons, with one verse delivered in Czech. It’s a playful final note that reinforces the episode’s effort to integrate local flavor without disrupting the show’s established tone.
Season eight of The Rookie premiered on ABC on Jan. 6, with new episodes airing Tuesdays in North America. The latest season is not yet available for streaming in the Czech Republic, though earlier seasons can be found locally on Netflix and Disney+.
