ABC Greenlights Series for The Rookie: North; Spinoff Plans Midseason Launch with Crossovers to Original Series
ABC Greenlights Series Order for ‘The Rookie: North’
ABC has officially announced the series order for The Rookie: North, a spinoff of the popular show The Rookie, starring Jay Ellis. The network’s decision comes just hours before it is set to reveal its 2026-27 television schedule on Tuesday. The new series will consist of ten episodes and is expected to premiere during the midseason. The project is spearheaded by The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley and produced by Lionsgate Television.
While the formal agreement between ABC and Lionsgate Television was finalized late Sunday night, speculation about The Rookie: North receiving a series order had been circulating for weeks. Such last-minute negotiations have long been part of the upfront television tradition.
With this addition, ABC is expanding its scripted programming lineup for the upcoming season, having also renewed all of its existing scripted series, including R.J. Decker, which received a Season 2 pickup just days prior.
The Rookie: North follows Alex Holland, played by Ellis, who initially feels his life lacks purpose. Following a violent home invasion, Alex joins the Pierce County Police Department as a rookie officer. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, the series will explore his journey as he confronts a history of failed commitments, striving to gain the trust of his skeptical training officer and fellow rookies.
Alongside Ellis, the cast includes Chris Sullivan, Karen Fukuhara, Froy Gutierrez, Janet Montgomery, Mya Lowe, and Malik Watson. Similar to The Rookie, The Rookie: North is produced by Lionsgate Television in collaboration with 20th Television. Hawley serves as executive producer and writer, with contributions from Nathan Fillion, Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman. Ellis is also attached as a producer.
This marks the second spinoff in The Rookie franchise, following The Rookie: Feds, which starred Niecy Nash and ran for one season from 2022-23.
As ABC continues to explore crossovers as effective marketing strategies, The Rookie and The Rookie: North are expected to run concurrently. This will allow for integrated storylines, although it remains unclear whether they will air back-to-back or on separate nights.
Filming for The Rookie takes place in Los Angeles, while The Rookie: North will be shot in Vancouver, highlighting the geographical contrasts between the two series.
Throughout the development of The Rookie: North, Hawley expressed optimism about the pilot securing a series order. Ellis has also voiced his support for the project, further enhancing its potential for success.
