Fans of ABC's acclaimed police procedural The Rookie have reason to celebrate, as showrunner Alexi Hawley recently shared promising news about a potential spinoff series. In an interview with TV Insider on May 8, 2025, Hawley revealed that he and ABC are actively discussing the next steps for the project, expressing optimism about its future.
Hawley stated, "there’s a script that I’ve been going back and forth with ABC about." He elaborated on his collaborative process with the network, saying, "They give notes and I do the work and I’m an ever-hopeful human being. And so I would love nothing more than to expand the universe and go make it. So we’ll see. I don’t know. I mean the business right now is a little what it is, but I mean, I remain hopeful. We’ll see what happens.”
While details remain scarce, Hawley hinted that the spinoff would be "another patrol show" similar to The Rookie, but set in a different location outside of Los Angeles. He emphasized the unpredictability that makes the original series engaging, noting, "I think the magic of The Rookie does live in the fact that anytime they get out of their police cars, anything can happen. And I think that that’s something that I would try and replicate in a spinoff."
The original The Rookie, which premiered in 2018, has already seen a spinoff, The Rookie: Feds, which aired for one season before being canceled. Hawley’s inspiration for The Rookie came from a real-life police officer who joined the LAPD later in life, a narrative that resonated with audiences and provided a fresh perspective in the crowded cop show genre. "It’s based on a real person who is the oldest rookie in the LAPD. He’s not a rookie anymore. So that was a really exciting story to tell. I think it’s so hard to find a fresh way into a cop show. I was like, 'I haven’t heard that before.' So that was very exciting," Hawley remarked in a 2018 interview with Six Degrees of Geek.
As The Rookie continues to air on Tuesdays on ABC, the anticipation for the potential spinoff grows. The series has received positive reviews, with Season 7 maintaining a strong audience following and an 82% score on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. The season finale is expected to be a powerful conclusion, adding to the excitement surrounding the show.
Following the announcement of the new spinoff last December, the initial concept was set in Washington state and focused on a male officer embarking on a new phase of his life in his second act, mirroring the journey of Nathan Fillion's character, Officer John Nolan. However, Hawley has since indicated that the setting for the spinoff has changed, but specifics remain under wraps.
Hawley’s previous attempt at a spinoff, The Feds, featured Niecy Nash-Betts as a Washington D.C.-based school counselor who pursued her dream of joining the FBI later in life. Despite receiving critical acclaim with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Feds was canceled by ABC after just one season, following the Hollywood strikes that affected many productions.
Despite the cancellation of The Feds, characters from that series have made appearances in Season 7 of The Rookie, showcasing the interconnectedness of the universe Hawley has created. The current season of The Rookie, which features a talented ensemble cast including Richard T. Jones, Alyssa Diaz, Eric Winter, Melissa O'Neil, Shawn Ashmore, and Mekia Cox, has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.
ABC confirmed in April that The Rookie would return for an eighth season, further solidifying the show's popularity and the network's commitment to the franchise. As fans eagerly await news about the spinoff, they can continue to enjoy the adventures of Officer Nolan and his fellow recruits at the LAPD.
In a landscape where television shows are often met with uncertainty, Hawley’s hopeful outlook and dedication to expanding the The Rookie universe offer a glimmer of excitement for fans. The prospect of a new patrol show set in an unexplored locale promises to deliver the same thrilling unpredictability that has made The Rookie a standout in the genre.
As the series progresses, viewers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any developments regarding the spinoff. With the ongoing evolution of The Rookie and its potential expansion, there’s no telling what new stories and characters might emerge. Whether it’s the familiar faces of the LAPD or fresh narratives from a different city, the possibilities are endless.
For now, fans can tune in to watch The Rookie every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, as they await further updates on the spinoff’s journey.
