North' Picked Up To Series By ABC, Eyes Midseason Launch

Key Points:

• ABC has picked up The Rookie: North, a spinoff of The Rookie starring Jay Ellis, for a 10-episode series set to premiere midseason in 2026-27, expanding the franchise following the original show's full-season renewal.
• The Rookie: North follows Alex Holland, a midlife rookie cop in the Pacific Northwest, and will feature crossover opportunities with The Rookie, including an appearance by Nathan Fillion, who also executive produces both series.
• Produced by Lionsgate Television and 20th Television, the series is created by Alexi Hawley, who will serve as showrunner for both The Rookie and The Rookie: North, continuing the franchise's tradition of interconnected storytelling.
• This marks the second spinoff in The Rookie franchise after The Rookie: Feds, with ABC aiming to leverage crossover events as a successful marketing strategy to boost viewership across its scripted lineup.
• The pilot received positive feedback from both Hawley and Ellis, highlighting a strong cast and promising potential for the new series within the expanding franchise.