If you’ve been following the streets of Mid-Wilshire, you know that the air is thick with more than just the smell of morning coffee and

tactical gear. As we charge into 2026, the “Rookie-verse” is officially on fire. While The Rookie Season 8 recently kicked off with a high-

octane international mission in Prague, the real chatter isn’t just about John Nolan’s latest bust. It’s about the massive expansion of the franchise.

 

 

For months, the internet has been buzzing with a single, tantalizing question: Is ABC launching a new spin-off, and could Nathan Fillion be the one leading it? We’ve seen the success (and the struggles) of previous attempts to grow this universe, but 2026 feels different. With new leads being cast and Fillion himself dropping hints about the future, it’s time to dive into the rumors that are currently heating up Hollywood.

While John Nolan redefined the “old rookie” trope in sunny Los Angeles, The Rookie: North is taking that DNA and moving it to the rugged, often dangerous landscapes of Washington State.

The New Lead: Moving away from the rumor that Fillion would lead a second show, the franchise has officially passed the torch to Jay Ellis (of Top Gun: Maverick fame). Ellis will play Alex Holland, a man who, much like Nolan, joins the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie after a life-altering event.

So, where does Nathan Fillion fit into all of this? While he won’t be the main lead of The Rookie: North, he is heavily involved. As an Executive Producer on the new project, Fillion is the architect of this expansion. However, he has teased fans by saying he might be a “guest on your Rookie spin-off,” suggesting that the cross-state camaraderie will be very real in 2026.

You might wonder why ABC is trying a spin-off again after The Rookie: Feds was grounded after just one season. The answer lies in the incredible, enduring popularity of the flagship show.

Nathan Fillion recently joked about a “soft retirement” in 10 years, where he visits various spin-offs while living on a beach. By building these “offshoot” shows now, the creators are ensuring the Rookie brand survives even when Fillion eventually decides to hang up the badge.

Season 8 opened in Prague, feeling more like a Bond movie than a cop show. This “international” shift has led many to believe that a spin-off titled The Rookie: International or The Rookie: Special Ops could be on the horizon, with Nolan taking a more global, leadership role.

Chris Sullivan: The This Is Us star has joined the pilot as Sgt. Nix, a Watch Commander who misses being on the streets. Adding an Emmy-nominee to the roster shows the level of prestige ABC is aiming for.

The “Stranger Things” Connection: With more casting announcements expected by spring 2026, the show is looking for actors who can handle the “burstiness” of action and the “complexity” of small-town drama.

Whether Nathan Fillion leads a new show or continues to be the sun that the rest of the Rookie planets orbit, one thing is certain: 2026 is the year the franchise goes “global.” The move to pilot The Rookie: North with Jay Ellis is a strategic masterstroke that doubles down on the “old rookie” theme while providing a fresh, darker backdrop in the Pacific Northwest. Fillion’s DNA is all over this expansion, and while he may be looking toward a “soft retirement” on a beach someday, for now, his boots are firmly on the ground—and he’s bringing a whole new precinct with him.

A3: The creators wanted to “break the norms” of the franchise by moving away from the sunny, urban streets of LA. Washington offers “urban coast to rural forest,” providing a different set of tactical challenges like “meth labs in the woods” and isolated patrol areas.

A4: No. Fillion has spoken about a “soft retirement” in the future—specifically mentioning a 10-year plan where he wraps up The Rookie and then spends time guest-starring in various spin-offs while enjoying a beach house.