The Rookie franchise is expanding and, while that won’t happen amid the 2026 TV schedule, it will occur in 2027. The fan-favorite ABC procedural will be joined by new spinoff, The Rookie: North, starring Jay Ellis. It's already been confirmed that viewers can expect crossovers between the two shows, and I'm hoping there will be even more surprises in store. Now, being made aware of Ellis calling for his buddy and co-star, Tom Cruise, to appear on the show, I'm hoping that happens!
On North, Ellis plays Alex Holland, who joins a police department as a rookie following a lifetime of failed commitments. Fans may recognize Ellis for his role as Lieutenant Reuben “Payback” Fitch from 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. Although it’s been four years since the film was released, it still has a place in Ellis’ heart, and it's possible he may return for the Top Gun threequel that's reportedly in the works. In the meantime, though, Ellis spoke with Us Weekly, and it sounds like he wouldn't mind reuniting with Cruise ahead of that legacy threequel:
