ABC is moving forward with “The Rookie” spinoff “The Rookie: North,” with the broadcast network giving the project a pilot order.
In addition, Jay Ellis has been cast in the lead role of the project, which was first reported to be in development at ABC back in December 2024. “The Rookie: North” has moved steadily forward toward a pilot order since then.
The official logline for the show states, “Alex Holland (Ellis) believed his mid-life wasn’t worthy of a crisis. But after a violent home invasion ignites a dormant purpose, Alex battles a lifetime of failed commitments by joining the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie. Policing from the urban coast to the rural forest where backup isn’t just 5-minutes away, Alex must prove to his skeptical training officer, his fellow rookies, and himself, that he’s finally found something worthy of the fight.”
“The Rookie” creator Alexi Hawley will write, executive produce, and direct the pilot. “The Rookie” star Nathan Fillion will executive produce as well along with Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman. Ellis will produce in addition to starring. Lionsgate Television and 20th Television will produce.
“The Rookie” was renewed for an eighth season earlier this year, which is scheduled to debut on Jan. 6, 2026. Should “The Rookie: North” get picked up to series, it would be the second spinoff of the mothership show to date. ABC previously aired “The Rookie: Feds” starring Niecy Nash-Betts, but that show was canceled after one season in 2023.
Ellis is best known for his starring roles in shows like “Insecure” at HBO and “The Game” during its run at BET. He currently appears in the Netflix basketball comedy “Running Point,” which is prepping its second season, and recently starred in the Peacock drama “All Her Fault.” Next up, he will appear in Mindy Kaling’s Hulu comedy series “Not Suitable for Work.” In film, Ellis has been in features such as “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Freaky Tales.”
Ellis is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, The Lede Company, and Hansen Jacobson. Hawley is repped by The Shuman Company and Hansen Jacobson.
