ABC is expanding its hit series The Rookie universe with a new spinoff currently in early development. Created by The Rookie mastermind Alexi Hawley, the untitled project is set in Washington state and will explore the life of a male police officer navigating a transformative “second act” in his career.
Behind the Scenes
The spinoff will be co-produced by Lionsgate Television and 20th Television. Lionsgate gained rights to the series following its acquisition of eOne in 2023, while ABC Signature, previously a partner, has been integrated into 20th TV under Disney’s recent restructuring. Hawley will serve as the writer and executive producer, joined by The Rookie star Nathan Fillion as an executive producer, along with Michelle Chapman and Bill Norcross.
A Growing Franchise
This marks the second spinoff of the original The Rookie series, which debuted in 2018. ABC previously launched The Rookie: Feds in 2022, starring Niecy Nash Betts as Simone Clark, a late-career FBI recruit. While The Rookie: Feds lasted only one season, it demonstrated the franchise’s potential to branch into new narratives.
The Legacy of The Rookie
Currently gearing up for its seventh season, The Rookie continues to be a top performer for ABC. The Season 6 premiere attracted 11.9 million viewers across platforms in the Live+35 ratings, marking the show’s strongest numbers since its debut. The original series features an ensemble cast including Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, Tru Valentino, and Lisseth Chavez.
What’s Next?
While details about the cast and timeline for the new spinoff are under wraps, fans can look forward to another fresh take on life in law enforcement, this time through the lens of a cop reinventing himself in a new chapter of his career.