The Rookie: North, the upcoming spinoff of the successful police franchise, promises a visual and narrative identity distinct from the original series, as revealed by creator Alexi Hawley. Scheduled to premiere in 2026, the new production will be set in Pierce County, Washington, USA, abandoning the traditional urban setting of Los Angeles. This change is crucial, as it aims to portray an environment closer to the reality where most people live, mixing urban areas, suburbs, and rural regions, which should offer a new dynamic for fans.
Thus, the series maintains the essence of “patrol,” where anything can happen when characters step out of their cars, but abandons the procedural “case of the week” formula. The choice of setting in the Pacific Northwest, with Tacoma, military bases, and a national park, aims to create a unique vibe. Meanwhile, the main series, The Rookie, has already returned for its 8th season in January 2026, including a historic episode filmed in Prague.
A New Identity For The Franchise
Alexi Hawley emphasized that the major difference of The Rookie: North lies precisely in its location. Most police series are set in major metropolises like Boston or Chicago, but the new production will explore a more diverse and visually distinct region. On the other hand, the series will not be a common procedural, following the premise established by the original of focusing on the unpredictability of daily police work, rather than closed cases each episode.
Thus, the franchise demonstrates its ability to reinvent itself, especially after the cancellation of the first spinoff, The Rookie: Feds. Betting on an unprecedented setting is a risky move, but one that could attract both loyal fans and new viewers seeking a fresh narrative in the police genre. With this, ABC hopes to further consolidate the success of its franchise in this year of 2026.
