The expanding universe of The Rookie is gaining momentum as its upcoming spinoff, The Rookie: North, receives a promising new update from star Jay Ellis. According to recent reports, the pilot episode has officially wrapped filming, and early reactions from those involved suggest strong confidence in the project’s potential.
Jay Ellis, who leads the series as Alex Holland—a man starting over as the oldest rookie in a new police department—shared that he has already watched the pilot and believes it’s “great,” expressing confidence that fans of the original series will quickly connect with the new characters and storylines. He emphasized the strength of the ensemble cast and the emotional depth of the narrative, hinting that the show will deliver both compelling character arcs and engaging police drama.
Set in Washington state, the spinoff aims to bring a fresh tone to the franchise by moving away from the familiar urban setting and exploring a wider range of environments—from small towns to more remote areas. This shift not only gives the series a distinct identity but also opens the door for new types of cases and storytelling opportunities that differ from the original show’s structure.
Perhaps most exciting for fans is the possibility of crossovers. Ellis hinted that if the show is picked up for a full season, there’s already interest in connecting the two series—potentially bringing his character face-to-face with John Nolan. While nothing is confirmed yet, the idea suggests that ABC is continuing to build a shared universe similar to other successful TV franchises.
For now, the future of The Rookie: North still depends on whether it receives a full series order, with a decision expected soon. But with a completed pilot, a strong cast, and growing buzz, the spinoff is shaping up to be a major next step for the franchise—one that could expand the world of The Rookie in exciting new directions.