ABC is officially shaking things up. After months of speculation surrounding The Rookie‘s expanding universe, the network has confirmed that its upcoming spinoff will feature one of the most dramatic shifts the franchise has ever attempted: a major change in location that completely redefines the tone, style, and core identity of the new series.
And fans are already buzzing — because this one change could be the key to turning the spinoff into a breakout hit.
A New Spinoff Designed to Stand on Its Own
While The Rookie has remained a Los Angeles–based police procedural centered on the LAPD, the new unnamed spinoff is headed in a radically different direction. Instead of building another show that mirrors the original’s urban LA energy, ABC is doubling down on a fresh environment, new policing challenges, and an entirely different cultural backdrop.
According to production insiders, the goal isn’t to recreate The Rookie formula — it’s to expand it.
This shift signals ABC’s intention to craft a spinoff that appeals to both longtime fans and new viewers looking for a distinctive, modern, high-stakes series.
Where Is the Spinoff Heading? A Landscape Unlike Anything in the Franchise
While ABC hasn’t officially named the shooting location yet, early reports indicate the show could be leaving California entirely. The two most rumored relocation options are:
✔ A major East Coast city
which would introduce colder climates, dense architecture, and a completely different pace of policing…
OR
✔ The Pacific Northwest
giving the spinoff a moody, atmospheric backdrop—forests, small towns, and dramatic weather shifts.
Both choices would create a stark contrast to The Rookie’s sun-soaked LA vibe.
Regardless of the final destination, executive producers confirm:
“This world is going to feel new — visually, emotionally, and culturally.”
Why ABC Wanted a Bold Setting Change
The decision wasn’t random. ABC reportedly made the move for three key reasons:
1. To Avoid Repeating The Rookie: Feds’ Strategy
The first spinoff struggled because it tried to remain tonally close to the original, despite having a different premise.
This new series plans to succeed by doing the opposite — embracing its own style.
2. To Give the Franchise Room to Grow
With The Rookie heading into Season 8 and still thriving, ABC wants its next series to offer something innovative rather than competing with its parent show.
3. To Reflect Changing Trends in TV Police Dramas
Audiences want bigger stakes, deeper environments, and more complex cultural contexts.
A new setting brings:
-
new types of crime
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new law enforcement challenges
-
new community dynamics
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new character archetypes
This gives writers creative freedom that LA-based stories can’t always provide.
Who’s Leading the New Show? Cast Details Are Emerging
The network hasn’t announced the full cast yet, but sources reveal that the spinoff will likely feature:
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A fresh lead character connected tangentially to The Rookie universe
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At least one familiar face making appearances to anchor the shared world
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A new batch of officers or agents who reflect the region’s specific law enforcement style
No matter who fills the roster, ABC wants the show to feel grounded, realistic, and character-driven — a trademark of The Rookie franchise.
Will the Tone Be Different? Absolutely.
Fans should expect a noticeable shift.
The original Rookie balances humor, heart, action, and character drama, but the spinoff is rumored to adopt a more:
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atmospheric
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suspenseful
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serialized
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unpredictable
style of storytelling.
Executives have described it as:
“A character drama first, procedural second.”
That means more ongoing arcs, deeper emotional stakes, and cliffhangers built for streaming-era binge-watching — even while airing on network TV.
How the Location Change Impacts the Storytelling
Changing the geography reshapes everything:
• Crime types shift
From LA gang activity and urban patrol calls to rural mysteries or high-stakes federal cases.
• Weather becomes a factor
Snow, storms, and forests add a layer of danger never seen in The Rookie.
• Community dynamics evolve
Instead of big-city anonymity, the new show could explore small-town politics or tight-knit local relationships.
• Policing style changes
Different regions follow different procedures, training, and jurisdictional rules—giving the writers an opportunity to explore authentic, region-specific storylines.
This isn’t just a change of scenery.
It’s a change of identity.
How This Affects the Rookie Universe
If successful, the spinoff could:
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lead to crossovers
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introduce new villains
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merge federal and local law enforcement storylines
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build toward a multi-series shared universe similar to FBI, NCIS, and Chicago PD
ABC clearly believes the world of The Rookie is big enough to grow — they just want to do it smarter this time.
Fans Are Divided — But Curious
Some viewers love the bold direction. Others worry the spinoff might feel too far removed from the LA charm of the original.
But almost everyone agrees on one thing:
The location twist is the most intriguing risk the franchise has taken in years.
Conclusion: The Spinoff Is Taking Big Swings — And They Might Just Pay Off
ABC is going all-in on a fresh, ambitious expansion of The Rookie universe. By embracing a new location, a new tone, and new characters, the network is signaling that this series will not be a copy-and-paste continuation — but a bold reinvention.
And if early buzz is any indication, fans may be about to witness the most exciting chapter in the franchise yet.
