A Washington Set Cop Drama Could Be Joining The Rookie Universe

The Rookie franchise is branching out to a new region—and this time, it’s trading palm trees for evergreen trees. Instead of chasing criminals in Los Angeles, the show will move to Washington State, where a fresh cast tackles crime from bustling coastal cities to quiet forest towns. The original series, starring Nathan Fillion as a late-blooming cop, proved that older rookie stories still sell well. Now, its success may be enough to launch a spin-off even before the parent show finishes its current season. Unlike the original’s big-city vibe, this new version swaps concrete and smog for rain-soaked streets and mountain backdrops. Its lead, Alex Holland (played by Jay Ellis), follows a similar path—starting a new life after a personal setback—but now he’s doing it in Pierce County, where the police force needs fresh faces. Reports say the filming wrapped quickly, with actors like Karen Fukuhara (known for The Boys) already done with their pilot scenes. Still, nothing is locked in yet. ABC has the final say, expected by late spring, on whether The Rookie: North even becomes a real show.Behind the scenes, the energy seems positive. Fukuhara mentioned how the leadership style of the cast trickles down to the crew, creating a supportive environment. With Jay Ellis leading the project, the team hopes the pilot impresses enough to earn a full series order. If it does, ABC might even slot it into their Monday night lineup for next winter—a strategic move to boost mid-season ratings. But will audiences connect with a rookie cop story so close to the one they already watch? Some fans wonder if the Pacific Northwest setting will feel fresh or just like Los Angeles with more rain. Early hints suggest the show plans to use the region’s unique landscapes—urban docks, logging roads, coastal highways—as a character in itself. That kind of visual storytelling could set it apart from its predecessor. Still, copying a winning formula isn’t always a guarantee. The show’s tone, writing, and ability to find new stories in familiar themes will matter most.