Alexi Hawley, creator and showrunner of ABC’s police drama The Rookie, has extended his overall deal with Lionsgate Television, strengthening expectations that the franchise will continue beyond its confirmed ninth season. Although neither ABC nor Lionsgate has formally announced a tenth season, the agreement keeps Hawley responsible for the expanding franchise and is viewed as a positive sign for the flagship series’ future.

The Rookie debuted in 2018 and has completed eight seasons, with Season 9 currently in development after earlier uncertainty over whether Season 8 might be its last. The show reportedly recorded more than 12 billion streaming minutes in the first half of 2026, while Lionsgate is also preparing a spin-off, The Rookie: North; Season 9 will have fewer episodes than usual.