diff --git a/lib/ansible/release.py b/lib/ansible/release.py
index be485508895..66b95a86eec 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/release.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/release.py
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-__version__ = '2.18.8rc1'
+__version__ = '2.18.8rc1.post0'
 __author__ = 'Ansible, Inc.'
 __codename__ = "Fool in the Rain"