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Despite its status as a fan-favorite police procedural, Nathan Fillion, the leading star of “The Rookie,” has hinted that his time on the show might not be indefinite. Since the series debuted in 2018, it has followed Fillion’s character, John Nolan, a rookie officer in the LAPD navigating late-in-life career challenges. In an interview with People, Fillion shared, “In 10 years, I would like to be just wrapping up ‘The Rookie,’ maybe handing it off to someone else.”
ABC
Given that the show’s narrative is built around a law enforcement career, an eventual conclusion seems inevitable. Fillion is no stranger to leading beloved TV series, having starred in the cult classic “Firefly” and the hit show “Castle.” His versatility extends beyond the small screen, with Fillion set to portray Guy Gardner in the upcoming “Lanterns” series for the DCU, reprising a role he first took on in “Superman.”
Fillion is passionate about acting but has often shied away from the spotlight that comes with fame. His love for diverse roles suggests he won’t be retreating from acting anytime soon. Fans can look forward to the eighth season of “The Rookie,” which is scheduled to premiere on January 6, 2026.
In a lighthearted chat with People, Fillion joked about post-“Rookie” plans, including teaching acting or enjoying a cruise. On a more serious note, he expressed a desire for a “soft retirement,” staying involved with “The Rookie” and its potential spin-offs. Currently, “The Rookie” has inspired one spin-off, “The Rookie: Feds,” which focused on Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI, a character first introduced in “The Rookie” Season 4.
Although “The Rookie: Feds” only ran for a single season, it frequently crossed over with the main series before its cancellation. A new spin-off, provisionally titled “The Rookie: North,” is in the works, with plans to shoot a pilot in 2026. This new series will take place in Washington state, with Fillion stepping into the role of executive producer. As long as these spin-offs continue to develop, Fillion will remain connected to the franchise, albeit with more of his time spent behind the scenes.
Nathan Fillion has plans for The Rookie
ABC
Nathan Fillion jokingly told People that his plans for a post-“Rookie” career included teaching acting or hopping onto a cruise. Getting serious, Fillion revealed that he plans to “spend a soft retirement visiting ‘The Rookie’ and dabbling in the four to seven ‘Rookie’ spin-off series that are still going and very, very popular.” As of writing, “The Rookie” has had one spin-off, “The Rookie: Feds,” which followed the oldest rookie in the FBI. It starred Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, who first appeared in “The Rookie” Season 4 and returned in several episodes.
“The Rookie: Feds” lasted a single season, and even crossed over with “The Rookie” on numerous occasions, before being canceled. Another spin-off with the working title, “The Rookie: North,” entered development with the intent of filming a pilot sometime in 2026. That series will be set in Washington state, and Fillion will serve as an executive producer. So long as the spin-offs keep coming, Fillion won’t be going anywhere, even if more of his time will be spent behind the camera.
