The Rookie universe is getting bigger, and the upcoming spin-off The Rookie: North just added another familiar face. According to recent reports, Curtis Lum, known for his role in The Night Agent, has joined the cast in a recurring role. He'll play Officer Charley Furst, described as a cheerful and laid-back officer who always finds the path of least resistance on the job.
This news comes as the ABC police procedural continues to dominate both broadcast and streaming. The original series has amassed a staggering 12.817 billion minutes viewed between January and June 2026, according to Nielsen data. With an early Season 9 renewal already secured, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
The Rookie: North marks the second attempt at expanding the franchise. The first spin-off, The Rookie: Feds, was canceled after just one season back in 2022. That show followed Special Agent Simone Clarke, played by Niecy Nash, but failed to capture the magic of the original. Now, ABC is giving it another shot with a fresh concept.
The new series will center on a middle-aged man who joins the Pierce County Police Department as its oldest rookie after a traumatic home invasion. Jay Ellis, known for Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick, was announced in November 2025 to lead the cast as Alex Holland. Since then, the show has been steadily filling out its roster, adding Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), Froy Gutierrez, Janet Montgomery, Karen Fukuhara, Mya Lowe, and Malik Watson.
With Lum's addition, the cast is shaping up nicely. His character, Charley Furst, sounds like a fun contrast to the more intense personalities on the force. The show is set to premiere in 2027, and fans are already buzzing about potential crossovers.
Series creator Alexi Hawley is back to write and direct, with executive producers including Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman. Nathan Fillion, who continues to lead the original series as John Nolan, will also executive produce. Jay Ellis is on board as a producer as well.
During San Diego Comic-Con, Hawley teased that a crossover between The Rookie and The Rookie: North is already being discussed. “There might be one in the works, for sure,” he said. “We started shooting Season 9 on Tuesday, this last week. We start shooting North in a few weeks, early August, so we're already into scripts on everything, obviously. There are some thoughts being put to who might go north or come south or both.”
If you're a fan of The Rookie, this is an exciting time. The original series continues to thrive, and the spin-off is building a solid cast. For more on the franchise, check out why Talia Bishop left the show. And if you're into thrillers, you might enjoy our list of the best thrillers since 2010.
The Rookie streams on Hulu, and The Rookie: North is expected to premiere in 2027. Stay tuned for more updates as production continues.
