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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
As the franchise grows once more, fans of ABC's popular program 'The Rookie' have something fresh to anticipate. 'The Rookie: North,' a brand-new spinoff based in Washington State, is currently in development with a pilot expected to be filmed this coming Spring or Late Winter, according to creator Alexi Hawley. In keeping with the late-life law enforcement experience that made the original series so sympathetic, the show will follow a new male lead in his 40s or 50s. The next chapter of the Rookie universe is starting to take form as casting and screenplay refinement get underway.
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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Casting Progress and Plot Direction
The crew is presently casting performers for the lead part, which is tentatively called 'Alex,' according to Hawley. In midlife, the character, a former overachiever, decides to make a drastic career change by becoming a rookie police officer because his life hasn't gone as planned. With a distinct setting and character arc that will tackle new issues, this arrangement mimics the emotional path of John Nolan (played by Nathan Fillion in the original series). 'The Rookie: North' is regarded as a return to the franchise's origins, emphasizing realistic, personal stories, in contrast to 'The Rookie: Feds,' which was more procedural and brief.
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Image Courtesy: Screen Rant
A new supporting cast of rookies, training officers, and community people will be added to the program to complete the dynamics of a small-town law enforcement setting. Although ABC has not yet placed an official series order, the script has undergone several iterations and received positive feedback from the network. Like the original series, the tone is anticipated to be emotional and focused on the characters.
Production Timeline and Franchise Expansion
The current plan is to film the pilot in Vancouver, which will serve as a stand-in for a state setting in Washington. ABC Signature is in charge of managing the production, and executive producers Nathan Fillion and Alexi Hawley are involved. The studio and creative team's confidence is demonstrated by their choice to start production before receiving official approval, especially as the show gets ready to be presented for ABC's 2025–2026 schedule. 'The Rookie: North' seeks to maintain the momentum of 'The Rookie,' which is still going strong and gaining a devoted following, by examining tales of rebirth and atonement in a new setting.
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Image Courtesy: TV Fanatic
Hawley expressed hope that the spinoff will resonate with audiences in the same way the original has, and the early preparations suggest this is more than just an experiment—it's a potential long-term addition to the franchise.
