The Rookie’s Next Spinoff The Rookie: North Will Be ‘Very Different’ Because of This Key Detail

The popular police drama series first aired on ABC in 2018 and quickly gained a large audience, leading to plans for additional shows. While one spinoff didn’t last beyond its first season, another is currently in development.

The popular series will be back for its eighth season on January 6th. Alongside the main show, there’s also The Rookie: North. According to Alexi Hawley, the creator and showrunner, The Rookie: North offers a significantly different experience compared to the original The Rookie.

According to creator Alexi Hawley, the main difference between the new Rookie spinoff and the original series is where each show takes place. He also explained that The Rookie: North will stand out from other police dramas not just in terms of location, but in other key ways as well.

Hawley stated the new location will absolutely have a unique character. He believes placing it in the Pacific Northwest will also give it a distinctly different visual feel.

Hawley pointed out that most police dramas are set in major cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He feels these shows rarely depict the experiences of people living in smaller cities, suburbs, and rural areas – something that sets The Rookie: North apart.

He described Pierce County, Washington as an ideal location because it offers a diverse range of environments. It includes the city of Tacoma, a large military base, both upscale neighborhoods and typical shopping areas, and access to a national park and mountains.

Hawley explained that the show’s setting gave it a completely different feel compared to productions in major cities, which he found really appealing. He liked that it had a unique atmosphere.

The creator emphasized that, at its heart, the show remains focused on officers patrolling the streets. He also assured viewers that whenever the characters leave their vehicles, unpredictable and exciting events will unfold.

Hawley explained that what sets The Rookie apart from typical police shows is its focus on ongoing storylines rather than self-contained weekly cases. Unlike shows where a crime is introduced at the beginning and solved by the end, The Rookie keeps viewers guessing about what will happen next, and that’s what makes it enjoyable.

The Rookie: North is expected to debut on ABC sometime in 2026.

The Rookie Season 8 Will Make Television History

The popular crime drama has done very well over its first seven seasons and decided to take a big risk with its season premiere. The cast and crew traveled to Prague, in the Czech Republic, to film the first episode, titled “Czech Mate.”

Most traditional TV shows are filmed in the U.S., typically in smaller, more affordable locations, and rarely shoot scenes abroad. Shows on streaming services or cable often have bigger budgets that allow for international filming. However, The Rookie Season 8 is breaking new ground by filming its first episode in Prague with stars Jenna Dewan and the rest of the cast and crew.

The Rookie Season 8 debuts on Jan. 6.

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2026-01-01 17:36