The Rookie: North is officially in the works, and while Nathan Fillion is moving into a producer role rather than being the "rookie" himself, the new Washington-set spinoff starring Jay Ellis looks like it’s going to capture that same "it’s never too late to start over" magic we love—just with a bit more Pacific Northwest grit.
TL;DR: The Rookie: North is an upcoming spinoff of The Rookie, starring Jay Ellis as Alex Holland, a middle-aged rookie in Pierce County, Washington. While Nathan Fillion serves as an Executive Producer and "vibe-setter," the show features a new cast including Karen Fukuhara and Janet Montgomery. Screenwise rates the franchise as generally appropriate for ages 14+ due to its TV-14 level of violence and intense themes, though this new entry may lean slightly darker given its "home invasion" inciting incident.
If you’ve spent any time in the The Rookie universe, you know the formula: a middle-aged guy decides his life needs a hard reset and joins the police force. This time, we’re trading the sunny streets of Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, for the rain-slicked forests of Pierce County, Washington.
The spinoff stars Jay Ellis (who you probably recognize from Top Gun: Maverick) as Alex Holland. Unlike John Nolan, who was inspired by a bank robbery, Alex Holland’s journey starts after a traumatic home invasion. It’s a bit of a "heavier" hook, which suggests the show might lean into more emotional, character-driven stakes than the original.
The pilot just wrapped filming in Vancouver (which is standing in for Washington) as of April 2026, and the buzz is that it’s taking a "rural policing" approach. This means the characters are often out in the woods where backup is twenty minutes away, not five. It adds a survivalist layer to the standard police procedural that feels very "Pacific Northwest."
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Nathan Fillion actually in it? As of the pilot, Fillion is primarily behind the scenes as an Executive Producer. While we might see a crossover cameo from Officer John Nolan eventually—because let’s be real, the fans would riot if we didn’t—this is Jay Ellis’s show.
However, Fillion’s influence is everywhere. The cast, including The Boys star Karen Fukuhara, has been vocal about how Nathan sets the tone for the entire franchise. At Screenwise, we often look at "set culture" because it usually translates to the screen. Shows led or produced by Fillion tend to avoid the "nihilistic grit" that makes some modern dramas feel like a total downer. You can expect The Rookie: North to have that same balance of humor, heart, and high-stakes action that made Castle and the original The Rookie so watchable.
Ask our chatbot about Nathan Fillion's other family-friendly roles
In the world of 2026 digital slang, we’re happy to report that The Rookie: North is definitely not "brain rot." It’s a scripted drama with actual plot arcs, which is a nice break from the 15-second "Skibidi" loops your kids might be scrolling through.
That said, is it "Ohio" (weird/cringe) for your teens to watch? Actually, The Rookie has a massive following among Gen Z and Gen Alpha because of its fast-paced editing and "case-of-the-week" excitement. Here is what you need to keep an eye on for the spinoff:
The inciting incident for Alex Holland is a "violent home invasion." This is a step up from the original show's more "accidental hero" beginning. Screenwise expects a TV-14 rating, which means you’ll see tactical shootouts, crime scenes, and some blood, but it won't cross into the graphic gore territory of a show like The Boys.
The show deals heavily with "failed commitments" and mid-life crises. If you have a younger teen (12-13) who is sensitive to themes of family trauma or home safety, the first few episodes might be a bit "heavy."
Like its predecessor, The Rookie: North will likely touch on modern policing issues—racism, corruption, and community relations. It’s a great "bridge" show for having real conversations with your kids about how the world works, provided you're watching alongside them.
Since The Rookie: North is likely aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 release, here are some Screenwise-approved alternatives that hit that same "action-with-heart" sweet spot:
- The OG. If you haven’t caught up on the first eight seasons, now is the time. It’s the gold standard for "comfort procedurals."
- Even though it only lasted one season, it’s a fun, slightly more "extra" take on the franchise starring Niecy Nash.
- For the ultimate Nathan Fillion fix. It’s a bit more "will-they-won't-they" romance mixed with murder mystery.
- If you want to see why Jay Ellis is the perfect lead for a high-stakes action show, this is the best place to start.
If your teen is excited about this spinoff because they saw a clip of Jay Ellis or Karen Fukuhara on TikTok, use it as a jumping-off point. Instead of just "policing" their screen time, try these questions:
- "Alex Holland joins the force after a home invasion. How do you think that changes the way he does his job compared to John Nolan?" (This builds empathy and character analysis skills).
- "The show is set in the rural woods where backup is far away. Does that make the show scarier or more interesting for you?" (Helps you gauge their sensitivity to tension).
- "Why do you think Nathan Fillion chose to produce this one instead of starring in it?" (A fun way to talk about career growth and leadership).
Q: Is Nathan Fillion in The Rookie: North?
Nathan Fillion is an Executive Producer on the show, but he is not the lead actor. While he may appear in crossover episodes as John Nolan, the series focuses on a new character played by Jay Ellis.
Q: What is The Rookie: North rated?
The show is expected to receive a TV-14 rating, similar to the original series. This means it will contain moderate violence, some suggestive dialogue, and intense situations that may not be suitable for children under 14.
Q: Is The Rookie: North okay for a 12-year-old?
It depends on the child, but many 12-year-olds who already watch The Rookie will likely find it appropriate. However, parents should be aware that the "home invasion" backstory might be more frightening for younger viewers than the original show's premise.
Q: When does The Rookie: North come out?
The pilot just finished filming in April 2026. If ABC picks it up for a full series, it will likely premiere in the Fall 2026 TV season or as a mid-season replacement in January 2027.
The Rookie: North looks like it’s going to be a solid addition to the franchise. It’s not "brain rot," it’s got a great cast (Jay Ellis is a win), and it maintains that Nathan Fillion "good vibes" energy even if he’s mostly behind the camera. For intentional parents, it’s a "Safe-ish" bet for family TV night with your older kids—just be ready for a few more "edge-of-your-seat" moments thanks to that spooky Washington forest setting.