ABC is dipping back into The Rookie universe — and this time, they’re heading north. The network just handed out a pilot order for a brand-new spinoff starring Jay Ellis, and honestly, it already sounds like the kind of expansion fans have been waiting for. The series, fittingly titled The Rookie: North, aims to push the franchise beyond the familiar beats of the flagship show and The Rookie: Feds with a new backdrop, new tone, and a lead character who brings a whole different vibe.
Ellis — who many viewers still adore from his standout run on Insecure — steps into the role of Alex Holland, an older rookie officer who signs on with a regional department responsible for everything from busy city blocks to far-off northern wilderness. Translation: the cases can get messy, weird, snowy, or all of the above.
It’s a setup that gives writers room to play, letting the series shift between gritty urban stories and big-sky drama, while also exploring the dynamics of a newcomer who’s starting over later in life. With Ellis at the center, The Rookie: North feels like it’s aiming for something fresh — familiar enough for longtime fans, but bold enough to stand on its own.
A New Direction for The Rookie Franchise
The original Rookie series has been one of ABC’s most reliable performers, thanks in part to its mix of grounded character work and procedural plotting. Nathan Fillion’s turn as John Nolan proved that audiences were invested in stories about late-career reinvention. And viewers ate up the personal challenges that came with a dangerous profession.
The network has been interested in expanding the franchise for years. Its first attempt came with The Rookie: Feds, led by Niecy Nash-Betts. That series was short-lived but demonstrated that viewers were open to plots in the same universe. The new Rookie: North seems to aim at capturing the tone of the original show without directly copying the OG formula.
Jay Ellis brings a different presence to the lead role. He has a grounded screen personality and has proven he can handle drama and lighter moments. This matches the balance the franchise usually seeks. His character’s age and background give the writers a chance to explore new angles on what it means to start over in law enforcement.
What The Rookie Spinoff Will Focus On
While the pilot is still in early development, ABC and creator Alexi Hawley have released a few hunts about what The Rookie spinoff will explore. Holland joins a department whose jurisdiction stretches from cities to remote wilderness. That structure allows for a wide range of storylines, including high-risk rescues, missing-person searches, complex investigations, and the political realities of a rural-urban split.
This also means the new series can move beyond the traditional Los Angeles backdrop that defined the first show. New environments often help procedural dramas stay fresh, and the contrast between densely populated areas and isolated terrain gives The Rookie: North a distinctive personality. The shift in setting could also influence the mood of the show, with colder climates and closer-knit communities shaping cases and relationships.
The pilot is scheduled to show in early 2026, giving the creative team time to refine a solid plot and connect existing characters in the franchise. Hawley has a reputation for fast-paced writing, but the early descriptions suggest bigger focus on character resilience and adaptability.
Why ABC is Investing Again
Procedural dramas are some of the most dependable shows on broadcast television. They offer continuity, familiar rhythms, and strong lead characters who draw viewers back each week. The Rookie brand delivers a winning combination of everything ABC needs for a successful series.
By ordering The Rookie spinoff instead of reviving Feds, ABC is giving the franchise a chance to reset and try a creative, new approach. A new setting, focus character, and perspective may be what the universe needs to capture audience attention again.
As for the casting, Jay Ellis posted his excitement about joining the project, while Nathan Fillion welcomed him into the fold. This suggests that ABC sees The Rookie spinoff as a true extension of the original series rather than a completely separate project.