ABC has officially expanded The Rookie franchise by giving a series order to the upcoming spinoff The Rookie: North, starring actor Jay Ellis in the lead role.
The network reportedly ordered 10 episodes of the police drama ahead of unveiling its 2026–27 television schedule. The series is expected to premiere during the midseason lineup alongside the original The Rookie starring Nathan Fillion.
New Spinoff Set in the Pacific Northwest
Created by The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, The Rookie: North introduces viewers to Alex Holland, played by Jay Ellis.
According to the official premise, Alex joins the Pierce County Police Department as a rookie officer after a violent home invasion changes the direction of his life. The story follows his efforts to prove himself while policing areas stretching from urban coastal regions to remote forest locations.
The series features a cast including:
- Jay Ellis
- Chris Sullivan
- Karen Fukuhara
- Froy Gutierrez
- Janet Montgomery
- Mya Lowe
- Malik Watson
Crossovers With ‘The Rookie’ Planned
ABC is reportedly planning crossover episodes between The Rookie and The Rookie: North, continuing a strategy that has worked successfully for several television franchises.
Nathan Fillion’s character John Nolan is expected to appear in the pilot episode of the new series. Fillion also serves as an executive producer on both shows.
Alexi Hawley recently hinted that the franchise may feature multiple crossover storylines each season, potentially airing the episodes back-to-back.
Production Details
Like the original series, The Rookie: North is produced by Lionsgate Television in partnership with 20th Television.
The original The Rookie films in Los Angeles, while The Rookie: North is set in the Pacific Northwest and filmed in Vancouver.
Executive producers for the new show include:
- Alexi Hawley
- Nathan Fillion
- Mark Gordon
- Bill Norcross
- Michelle Chapman
Jay Ellis also joins the production team as a producer.
Franchise Expansion Continues
The Rookie: North becomes the second spinoff in The Rookie franchise after The Rookie: Feds, which aired during the 2022–23 television season.
Television networks continue to rely on franchise crossovers and shared universes to boost audience engagement and ratings, especially in procedural drama formats.
Fans of the original series are already expressing excitement online following the announcement of the new project.
