The Rookie season 8 episode 18, “The Bandit,” airs tonight — and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the hit series heads into its season finale. A dangerous criminal hunt pushes the team to their limits, while personal tensions and leadership challenges threaten to change everything.
The episode airs Monday, May 4 from 10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT on ABC, with streaming available the next day on Hulu.
In “The Bandit,” the team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested, Wesley pushes the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan struggles to balance duty with family. Scroll down to see photos from The Rookie season 8 finale.
Series:The Rookie Season: 8 Episode: 18 Title: “The Bandit” Air Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 Time: 10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT Network: ABC Streaming:Hulu (next day) Episode: Season Finale
THE ROOKIE Cast
At the heart of the series is John Nolan, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, once the oldest rookie in the LAPD and now a seasoned officer whose life experience, determination, and sense of humor continue to set him apart.
The series also stars Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez, and Deric Augustine as Miles Penn.
The stakes are higher than ever in the season finale — and the photos offer your first look at how it all unfolds.
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 Finale Photos: “The Bandit”
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) ERIC WINTERThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) SHAWN ASHMOREThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) DERIC AUGUSTINE, LISSETH CHAVEZThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) ERIC WINTER, MELISSA O’NEILThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) MEKIA COXThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 Season Finale – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) DERIC AUGUSTINE, LISSETH CHAVEZThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) MELISSA O’NEIL, SHAWN ASHMOREThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 Season Finale – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) MELISSA O’NEIL, ERIC WINTERThe Rookie Season 8 Episode 18 Season Finale – “The Bandit” – The team launches a high-stakes search to take down a notorious criminal. Meanwhile, Lucy’s leadership is tested; Wesley tests the boundaries of his friendships, and Nolan tries to balance duty and family. MONDAY, MAY 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Mike Taing) MELISSA O’NEIL
