As straightforward as it seems, the title of the upcoming The Rookie spinoff might actually conceal more than one hidden meaning. It was reported that a new spinoff was in development back in December 2024. Focusing once again on a middle-aged man (reportedly named Alex) who joins the police force, The Rookie spinoff’s title was finally revealed in July 2025.
Set for a possible premiere alongside The Rookie season 8 if ABC orders the show to pilot, the title of the Washington-based spinoff has been revealed as The Rookie North. While proposing a new spinoff just two years after The Rookie: Feds’ cancelation might seem risky, the new series’ title suggests at least a couple of intriguing details.
The Rookie North Can Refer To The Show Being Set In Seattle
Washington’s Most Populous City Shares An Important Trait With LA
It’s vague enough as a title that The Rookie franchise could really expand in numerous directions, such as aping the One Chicago
The series has only been confirmed to take place somewhere in Washington state, but Seattle would be the most obvious choice. Much like The Rookie’s setting of Los Angeles, Seattle is the biggest and most well-known city in the state with no upper age limit on joining the police force.
Even most of The Rookie’s best episodes take place in the heart of the concrete jungle, so a procedural that shows off the beauty of the Pacific Northwest would be a refreshing change of pace. And if it’s too hard to justify Seattle PD operating outside of jurisdiction, there’s another possible explanation for The Rookie North’s broadly general title.
“North” Could Also Double As The Rookie Spinoff’s Leading Character’s Name
One Small Detail Suggests The Title Refers To More Than Location
Nathan Fillion as John Nolan in The Rookie.
Rather than broadly referring to a location, The Rookie North’s title might actually be a specific reference to the protagonist’s name. Although his name has been reported as Alex, no last name has been leaked or announced to date. And, believe it or not, there’s further evidence to suggest the main character’s full name could in fact be Alex North.
The first thing to note is that, while “Feds” describes what sets that particular series’ rookie apart from Nolan, “Rookie” in The Rookie North might not be a noun but rather a descriptor of North the character. And, if The Rookie’s cast ever show up for a crossover, there’s a marketable ring to the duo of “Nolan and North.”
But the less exciting reason to believe “North” refers to a name is that Americans don’t typically refer to the Northwest as simply “North.” That broader term more often refers to Union states from the Civil War, which are across the country from where the new The Rookie spinoff takes place. It simply makes more sense as a double meaning.
