New Spinoff of Hit Series ‘The Rookie’ Begins Filming in Vancouver

The Rookie: North, the much-anticipated spinoff of the popular series The Rookie, is set to commence filming in Vancouver on February 24, 2025. The production will take place in various locations across the Metro Vancouver area, transforming the city into the backdrop for the fictional Pierce County Police Department in Washington State.

Star Jay Ellis recently confirmed the filming plans via his Instagram account, expressing gratitude to executive producers Alexi Hawley and Nathan Fillion for the opportunity. In his post, Ellis shared a humorous take on his new role, stating, “Yes, I’m the newest officer. No, I still don’t know where my locker is,” while also quipping about preparing for daily ice baths to support his physical readiness for the role.

The series centers around the character of Alex Holland, portrayed by Ellis, who becomes the oldest rookie in the Pierce County Police Department following a traumatic home invasion. This premise echoes the original series, which is inspired by the real-life experiences of an LAPD officer who joined the force in his mid-40s after a life-changing incident involving a bank robbery.

Growing Production Landscape in Vancouver

Vancouver has become known as “Hollywood North,” with a thriving film industry that attracts numerous productions each year. The city will not only serve as a stand-in for Washington State for The Rookie: North, but it is also hosting a variety of other projects. Recently, crew members were spotted filming the upcoming Disney series Coven Academy, while the second season of Shogun is expected to begin filming shortly.

The popularity of The Rookie has been notable, with the series achieving some of its highest ratings in 2025, ranking 10th in viewership among television shows. Currently, it is airing its eighth season, further solidifying its place in the hearts of fans. Fillion, who has a loyal following from his roles in Castle and Firefly, welcomed Ellis to the cast with enthusiasm, stating, “…and the Rookie-verse grows. Welcome, Mr. Ellis! You’re gonna love this ride!”

As production ramps up in Vancouver, the excitement surrounding The Rookie: North reflects the city’s status as a premier filming location. The region is also witnessing a resurgence of interest from other high-profile projects, including a revival of Scrubs, a series based on Stephen King’s Carrie, and a new installment of The Social Network.

The influx of productions highlights not only the allure of Vancouver for filmmakers but also the economic benefits that come with heightened activity in the film and television sector. With projects like The Rookie: North setting up shop, local businesses and the community can expect a boost as filming progresses.