US network ABC is reportedly taking another shot at a “spin-off” from the Nathan Fillion cop drama ‘The Rookie‘, from original series creator Alexi Hawley.
The original show follows Fillion as John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, who has used his life experience, determination and sense of humour to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Exact details are scarce about the new show, however, reports suggest that, rather than being set in LA, it would be set in Washington state, and would follow a male cop stepping into a new phase of life in his second act.
This would be the second attempt at expanding ‘The Rookie’ universe. The previous spin-off, ‘The Rookie: Feds’, starred Niecy Nash-Betts as a former guidance counsellor turned FBI agent, making her the oldest rookie in the FBI. Whilst it had potential, it never quite managed to break through in the same way as the original show and was cancelled after one season.
Whilst ‘Feds’ was quite integrated with the main show, with cast from both series popping up in guest spots on both shows across the run, this potential new series appears to be more in the vein of a ‘CSI’ or ‘9-1-1’ “spin-off” – i.e. a similar concept to the original but set in a new location. There would still be some potential for crossovers, but it, presumably, wouldn’t be a regular thing as they are set in different states.
The new series is in early development from ‘The Rookie’ creator Alexi Hawley, who would write and exec-produce, with Nathan Fillion also set to executive producer, along with Michelle Chapman, and Bill Norcross, whose life inspired the original show. Lionsgate Television and 20th Television would co-produce.
‘The Rookie’ spin-off is in very early development so might not go anywhere. ‘The Rookie‘ is due to return for Season 7 in January 2025 in the USA. We don’t yet have a UK premiere date if you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when the next season gets a UK premiere date.
