Nathan Fillion, the lead actor in the popular police drama The Rookie, has shared his plans regarding how long he intends to continue with the show. Since its debut in 2018, the series has followed 40-something LAPD rookie officer John Nolan, portrayed by Fillion. Discussing his future with The Rookie, Fillion stated that in about ten years, he envisions wrapping up his role and possibly passing the series on to someone else.
The nature of the show’s storyline, which focuses on a career in law enforcement, naturally supports this timeline. Fillion brings a wealth of experience from previous roles, including his work on the cult-favorite Firefly and the long-running drama Castle. He is also expanding his horizons beyond this franchise; notably, he will return as Guy Gardner in the 2026 DC Universe series Lanterns, reprising a role from his earlier appearance in Superman.
While Fillion has a deep passion for acting, he is less enthusiastic about the celebrity spotlight. Still, his diverse array of roles across different genres makes it clear that retirement is not imminent. The Rookie itself will continue with its eighth season scheduled to premiere on January 6, 2026.
Nathan Fillion’s Future Beyond The Rookie
Speaking with People, Nathan Fillion humorously suggested that after finishing The Rookie, he might teach acting or even go on a cruise. More earnestly, he revealed a softer retirement vision where he would occasionally return to The Rookie world while engaging with the show’s expanding franchise. He said,
“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.”
– Nathan Fillion, Actor
To date, The Rookie has produced one spin-off titled The Rookie: Feds, focusing on Simone Clark, the oldest rookie joining the FBI, played by Niecy Nash-Betts. The character first appeared during Season 4 of The Rookie and was present in several crossover episodes. Although The Rookie: Feds lasted only one season before being canceled, it demonstrated the franchise’s potential for expansion.
Currently, another spin-off called The Rookie: North is in development, with plans to film a pilot during 2026. This series will be set in Washington state, and Nathan Fillion is involved as an executive producer. With these new projects underway, Fillion is likely to remain connected to the franchise, even if his involvement shifts more toward behind-the-scenes roles rather than acting.
The future of The Rookie and its spin-offs indicates ongoing interest in this police procedural universe. Nathan Fillion’s decision to eventually step back while supporting new additions could help keep the franchise fresh and popular in the years ahead.
