ABC is developing a spinoff of “The Rookie” called “The Rookie: North,” and the broadcast network has given the project a pilot order.
Additionally, Jay Ellis has been cast in the lead role in the project, which was first reported to be in development at ABC in December 2024. Since then, “The Rookie: North” has been steadily moving toward a pilot order.
The show’s official logline reads: “Alex Holland (Ellis) believed his midlife wasn’t worth the crisis. But a violent home invasion ignites a dormant purpose, and Alex becomes the oldest new recruit to the Pierce County Police Department. Alex joins the military and spends his life fighting against failure. As he polices from urban beaches to rural forests with backup in less than five minutes, Alex must prove it to his skeptical trainers, his fellow recruits, and himself. He had finally found something worth fighting for. ”
“The Rookie” creator Alexi Hawley will write, executive produce and direct the pilot. “The Rookie” star Nathan Fillion will executive produce along with Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross and Michelle Chapman. In addition to starring, Ellis will also serve as a producer. Produced by Lionsgate Television and 20th Television.
“The Rookie” was renewed for Season 8 earlier this year and is scheduled to debut on January 6, 2026. If “The Rookie: North” is picked up for series, it would be the second Mothership show spinoff ever. ABC previously aired “The Rookie: Feds,” starring Niecy Nash-Betts, but the show was canceled after one season in 2023.
Ellis is best known for starring roles in shows such as HBO’s “Insecure” and BET’s “The Game.” He currently stars in the Netflix basketball comedy “Running Point,” which is preparing for season two, and recently starred in the Peacock drama “All Her Fault.” He will next be seen in Mindy Kaling’s Hulu comedy series “Not Worth the Job.” In film, Ellis has appeared in films such as “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Freaky Tales.”
Mr. Ellis is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, The Lede Company and Hansen Jacobson. Hawley is repped by Schumann Company and Hansen Jacobson.
