The Rookie universe begins (again), with the smash-hit ABC series now launching a new spin-off series. First announced this time last year, it has now been confirmed that the spin-off, titled The Rookie: North, is happening, with the network giving the project a pilot order.
Launching off the back of Nathan Fillion’s main series, which has become one of the most popular cop shows ever made since making its debut back in 2018, The Rookie: North will star Jay Ellis in the lead role as another eponymous “aged” rookie who joins the Pierce County Police Department after a violent home invasion. Ellis is best known for roles in the likes of Top Gun: Maverick, the romantic comedy series Insecure, and the recent drama All Her Fault. Alongside the news, you can check out the newly released synopsis for The Rookie: North below…
“Alex Holland (Ellis) believed his mid-life wasn’t worthy of a crisis. But after a violent home invasion ignites a dormant purpose, Alex battles a lifetime of failed commitments by joining the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie. Policing from the urban coast to the rural forest where backup isn’t just 5-minutes away, Alex must prove to his skeptical training officer, his fellow rookies, and himself, that he’s finally found something worthy of the fight.”
‘The Rookie’ Has Tried to Launch a Wider Franchise Before…
Beginning back in 2018, The Rookie centers on Nathan Fillion as small-town guy, John Nolan, who, after a life-altering incident, decides to pursue his dream of becoming an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin Jr., Mercedes Mason, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Afton Williamson, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Jenna Dewan, Tru Valentino, and Lisseth Chavez, the series wrapped up its seventh season earlier this year, with Season 8 set to premiere on January 6, 2026, on ABC. The Rookie has long been one of the biggest hits on the network, and has now continued that popularity on streaming, becoming a huge hit on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Prime Video.
Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich previously revealed that The Rookie had seen a surge in popularity on Hulu and Disney+, garnering more than 500 million hours viewed since landing on the platform back in 2018. “Fans are still discovering that show and will continue for years to come. That’s the staying power of a good drama,” he said.
A spin-off to The Rookie has been tried before with The Rookie: Feds, which followed Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. Airing in 2022, the spin-off effort The Rookie: Feds didn’t last long, and the series was unceremoniously canceled after just one season, in part due to the industry strikes that took place in 2023. Here’s hoping that things fare far better for Jay Ellis’ new recruit in the north.
- Release Date
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October 16, 2018
- Network
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ABC
- Showrunner
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Alexi Hawley
- Directors
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Tori Garrett, Chi-Yoon Chung, Michael Goi, Sylvain White, Lisa Demaine, Lanre Olabisi, Bill Johnson, David McWhirter, Liz Friedlander, Daniel Willis, Toa Fraser, Anne Renton, Jon Huertas, Cherie Nowlan, TK Shom, Rob Seidenglanz, Valerie Weiss, Barbara Brown, Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul, SJ Main Muñoz, Nelson McCormick, Marcus Stokes, Adam Davidson, Anna Mastro
- Writers
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Corey Miller, Bill Rinier, Zoe Cheng, Mary Trahan, Ally Seibert, Liz Alper, Nick Hurwitz, Racheal Seymour, Madeleine Coghlan, David Radcliff