ABC’s New ‘The Rookie’ Spin-Off Announces Its Star

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ABC has given the green light to a pilot for a spin-off of the popular show The Rookie. Called The Rookie: North, the new series will star Jay Ellis, who recently appeared in Top Gun: Maverick.

ABC first started developing the project in December 2024, and it’s been moving forward towards a pilot episode ever since.

The series centers around Alex Holland, portrayed by Ellis, a man whose life takes an unexpected turn mid-life. Following a frightening home invasion, Alex finds a new direction and becomes the oldest new recruit at the Pierce County Police Department.

Alex is a new police officer who needs to learn the ropes while working in both the city and the countryside. He has to earn the trust of his experienced trainer, his fellow recruits, and most importantly, prove to himself that he can handle the job.

Alexi Hawley, who created The Rookie, is taking the lead on the new series as writer, director, and executive producer. Nathan Fillion, the original show’s star, will also be an executive producer, alongside Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman. The new series’ star, Ellis, will also serve as a producer. Lionsgate Television and 20th Television are producing the show.

The popular show The Rookie will return for an eighth season, starting January 6, 2026. A potential new show, The Rookie: North, could become the second spin-off series from the original. The first spin-off, The Rookie: Feds with Niecy Nash-Betts, aired in 2023 but wasn’t renewed for another season.

Set in Washington state, ‘The Rookie: North’ follows a man who’s starting a new career as a police officer. Casting for the show began in July under a temporary title, and production was briefly paused in September to refine the scripts and find a popular actor to lead the series. Filming is currently planned to start in early 2026.

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2025-11-26 03:14