ABC hasn't ordered The Rookie spinoff from series creator and executive producer Alexi Hawley yet, but there are some signs that things are moving in the right direction.
According to an interview Hawley did with Deadline, Hawley revealed that he's still working on the pilot script, getting it ready, collecting some notes, and waiting for the next steps in the process.
Here's what Hawley told Deadline about the potential spinoff of the hit ABC series:
“I’ve been going back and there’s a script, I’ve been doing some drafts and getting some notes. You know me, I’m a hopeful person, so I remain hopeful. I mean, it would be a great thing. So let’s see.”
Deadline confirmed a spinoff was in the early stages of development way back in December 2024. According to the report, the project was going to follow “a male cop who is stepping into a new phase of life in his second act." It's reportedly set in Washington.
The Rookie season 7 is coming to an end very soon. The season finale will air on Tuesday, May 13, on ABC. Then, there's going to be a long break until The Rookie season 8, which was not part of ABC's fall schedule. Instead, the new season premieres in early 2026 on the network. As part of its Upfronts presentation, ABC just confirmed season 8 is set for a midseason premiere, along with Will Trent season 4.
So, we'll probably learn a lot more about the potential spinoff of The Rookie over the next few months. The one thing The Rookie fans who are hoping for the spinoff probably need to be concerned about is just how jam-packed ABC's lineup already is. 911 is already getting a spinoff, 911: Nashville, and it premieres this fall. We're basically only getting one or two major pilot projects every year from ABC, and the bar to clear is sky-high. The Rookie is super popular, but would its spinoff be another High Potential? Would it be as popular as Will Trent? Those are the questions we probably need to be asking when seriously considering if this spinoff is possible.
It's obviously great news that Hawley is hopeful! After The Recruit was canceled on Netflix after season 2, there is time in his busy schedule to bring another show to life on ABC. Of course, I hope it happens, but it's probably a little bit too early in the process to say one way or another which way ABC is leaning.
We'll continue to share updates about the possibility of The Rookie spinoff happening on ABC. Make sure you check back in this spring and summer for more updates on The Rookie season 8, which, again, is coming in early 2026.