The world of The Rookie is about to get bigger. With ABC’s flagship police drama preparing to launch its eighth season, the network is doubling down on its success by introducing a brand-new spinoff: The Rookie: North. Sources confirm that the pilot episode is currently filming in Vancouver, with production running through July and August, signaling ABC’s serious intent to expand the franchise beyond its Los Angeles roots.
Why a Spinoff Now?
Since its debut in 2018, The Rookie has remained one of ABC’s most consistent performers, thanks to its unique premise: a man in his forties starting a new career as a police officer. Viewers connected with the mix of humor, action, and personal stories, and Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Officer John Nolan became a fan favorite.
By Season 8, the show has built a solid universe of characters and cases, making this the perfect time for a fresh perspective. ABC sees The Rookie: North as a way to tell new stories while retaining the core theme of second chances and reinvention. Instead of the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, this new series shifts to the Pacific Northwest, promising a different look, pace, and tone.
Why Vancouver?
Vancouver has become one of the most sought-after filming locations for U.S. television. Known as “Hollywood North,” the city offers versatile urban and rural settings, world-class crews, and attractive tax incentives. For The Rookie: North, this means producers can explore everything from dense downtown streets to remote, forested backdrops—all within driving distance.
Choosing Vancouver also helps the spinoff stand apart visually. Where The Rookie is known for bright California skies and urban grit, The Rookie: North can lean into moodier aesthetics, seasonal weather, and different types of crimes unique to the region. Think more rugged outdoor rescues, small-town conflicts, and a different policing culture.
What We Know About the Story
While ABC has kept details close to the vest, industry insiders report that The Rookie: North will follow a 40-to-50-year-old recruit starting over in law enforcement, much like John Nolan did in Los Angeles. But this time, the focus will be on how a smaller department in Washington State handles crime and community relations.
Expect themes of identity, resilience, and adaptation. In smaller jurisdictions, officers often know the people they serve. This opens doors to more intimate storytelling, where personal and professional lives collide. Rumors also suggest the pilot may include nods to The Rookie’s established universe, such as cameo appearances or references to LAPD officers. Nathan Fillion himself is reportedly supporting the spinoff as an executive producer, and while nothing is confirmed, fans would love to see him guest star.
The Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The spinoff remains in the capable hands of The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, whose knack for blending character-driven arcs with procedural elements has been key to the original show’s success. Hawley is joined by some familiar executive producers and, according to reports, Nathan Fillion has an active role in shaping the series.
This creative team’s involvement is crucial because spinoffs can be tricky. They need to balance familiarity with freshness. Viewers want the heart of the original but crave something new enough to stand on its own. By setting the show in a different region with a different tone, The Rookie: North has a strong chance to carve out its own identity.
Casting and Characters – What’s Next?
Casting announcements have been limited, but speculation is high. Will ABC choose a known TV veteran for the lead role to mirror Fillion’s casting, or will it introduce a breakout star? The supporting cast could also bring diversity in both age and background, reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s unique communities.
There’s also talk of recurring or guest characters from the original show. For example, fans wonder if LAPD contacts could offer mentorship or cross-jurisdiction cases that briefly unite the two series. These crossover opportunities could become a marketing advantage if the spinoff gets a full series order.
Pilot Filming Timeline and What It Means
Filming in Vancouver from July to August gives the network time to polish the pilot before fall 2025 presentations. Pilots are test episodes—if ABC executives like what they see, the spinoff could be ordered to series and premiere in 2026. While there’s always a risk that pilots don’t make it to air, the Rookie brand’s popularity and ABC’s investment suggest confidence.
The summer filming window also indicates that The Rookie: North could be fast-tracked to join ABC’s schedule sooner rather than later. If successful, the franchise could establish a two-show universe similar to what NCIS and FBI have done for CBS.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
The Rookie has always been about more than crime—it’s about second chances, learning curves, and the courage to start over. By taking this concept to a different environment, The Rookie: North can explore new policing challenges: rural calls, resource shortages, cross-border issues, and tighter community relationships.
For fans, this means fresh characters, new dynamics, and plenty of room for emotional storytelling. The Vancouver setting also adds a cinematic flair that could surprise longtime viewers.
Looking Ahead
While there are still many unknowns—casting, official airdate, and whether the pilot will go to series—the buzz is growing. ABC clearly believes the Rookie formula has more stories to tell. With its trusted creative team, a strong franchise foundation, and a bold new location, The Rookie: North could become the next big chapter in a universe that’s already captured millions of viewers.
For now, all eyes are on Vancouver. As the cameras roll through July and August, fans can expect more leaks, teasers, and speculation. Whether it’s cameos, character reveals, or behind-the-scenes photos, the excitement for The Rookie: North is only building.
