With the weeks counting down until The Rookie returns to ABC for Season 8 in the 2026 TV schedule, the spinoff is getting a big push forward from the network. It's been slow going since the project was first announced in late 2024, and a pilot order was said to be coming soon... back in July. After a more recent explanation for how long the process has taken, the long-awaited pilot has finally been ordered with Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick vet Jay Ellis in the lead role. That said, I've had my doubts about the premise becoming a hit until recent ratings news.
