Alexi Hawley’s new The Rookie spinoff—currently going by the working title The Rookie: North—is reportedly moving ahead more quickly than originally planned. The project is now in development, and discussions are underway around a pilot episode.
Progress Toward a Pilot
Executives at ABC have been reviewing Hawley’s script, and the spinoff is inching closer to getting a pilot order. Although a full series hasn’t been officially ordered yet, the pilot phase looks imminent, suggesting that production could begin soon. Casting efforts are underway, although the lead role has not yet been finalized.
Story and Setting
The Rookie: North is expected to be set in Washington State. The protagonist—tentatively named “Alex”—is described as a former overachiever who, after life takes unexpected turns, becomes a rookie police officer. This mirrors the theme of reinvention seen in The Rookie, but carries it into a new region and set of challenges, giving the series its own distinct identity.
Franchise Connections
After The Rookie: Feds was canceled, Hawley mentioned that he hopes to incorporate characters from that series back into the Rookie universe—provided the timing is right and the story justifies it. However, he also emphasized that any return would need to feel organic rather than forced.
Hawley has expressed interest in continuing to expand the Rookie franchise in meaningful ways, though he noted that creative and logistical factors will play a large role in whether those ideas come to fruition.
What’s Next
At this time, there is no confirmed release date for The Rookie: North. Much will depend on how the pilot is received, casting timelines, and ABC’s scheduling decisions. If all goes well, though, the spinoff could arrive sooner than many fans expect—potentially shortening the wait time between approval and premiere.
