What does "North" possibly mean in The Rookie’s spinoff title? Here’s what we know

The Rookie has quietly been building its own little universe, and with its newest project titled The Rookie North, fans are starting to wonder: What exactly does "North" stand for?

Is it just a direction, a location, or something more personal? From what's been revealed, the meaning could actually go beyond geography. While the show is set in Washington state, the title might also hint at something closer to the main character himself.

The clue lies in the fact that North doesn't follow the same naming style as its predecessor, The Rookie: Feds.

A different title structure might hold the answer for The Rookie North

One of the most interesting parts of the spin-off is the way it's been named. Unlike Feds, which clearly describes the job of its lead character, this new title drops the colon. That small change could reveal a lot more than expected.

Some believe "North" may be pointing to the main character's name. Right now, we only know the rookie is called Alex, but there's been last name has not been mentioned officially. If his full name is Alex North, that could flip the way we read the title.

The story centers on Alex, a man in his forties or fifties who once had everything going for him, but now finds himself restarting life as a rookie cop in Washington. According to early casting descriptions, he's a former overachiever whose plans didn't work out, and this new journey into law enforcement feels like his last shot.

Alexi Hawley, the creator of the series, is behind the spinoff as well. He explained in an interview with TV Insider that the new show would still be "another patrol show set somewhere else," with the same kind of unpredictable energy that makes The Rookie work.

A different title structure might hold the answer

While the name could refer to the lead character, it's also just as likely that "North" was chosen to represent the region. The series is set in Washington, and if it ends up based in Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, the title checks out.

Still, calling it The Rookie North instead of Seattle might be intentional. It could give the show more flexibility in terms of where the stories are set. Maybe it'll take viewers beyond the city streets and into quieter, rural areas of the state, showing a different side of police work.

This idea also fits with what Hawley said when discussing with TV Insider how the universe could grow. He mentioned that part of the magic of The Rookie is that;

"...Anytime they get out of their police cars, anything can happen."

That kind of unpredictability might be easier to explore in less familiar environments. Also, as the series picks up steam, ABC is said to be moving closer to ordering a pilot, with known actors already being approached for the lead role.

With The Rookie North, the series is keeping fans guessing about what the name could truly mean. The title might sound as simple as it is, but it opens the door to a whole lot of meanings - whether it's the character's last name, a geographical reference, or perhaps both?

What's clear is that creator Alexi Hawley isn't just reusing the formula from the past. This spinoff seems to be aiming for something a little deeper, a little wider, and possibly more personal. As the show moves ahead, the word "North" might just become the symbol of a fresh direction in the growing world of the franchise.

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