Alexi Hawley Signs New MultiYear Overall Deal with Lionsgate TV

Lionsgate Television signed a new multi-year overall deal with showrunner and executive producer Alexi Hawley on August 25, 2026, to expand The Rookie franchise and develop new scripted television series for the studio.

The agreement comes as production rolls on the ninth season of the hit broadcast series The Rookie and its upcoming spinoff, The Rookie: North. Both television shows are currently scheduled to make a midseason return on ABC in 2027, with major promotional appearances planned for New York Comic Con in October 2026. Additionally, Hawley's drama series The Envoy moved its distribution platform from Hulu to HBO Max. The series focuses on Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and his State Department team bringing home 70 American hostages over a four-year period.

Hawley highlighted the ongoing collaboration and creative direction following the announcement of the deal.

"Lionsgate is an invaluable creative partner and a strong champion of my work," said Alexi Hawley, Showrunner and Executive Producer. "I'm drawn to stories that are propulsive and entertaining, while still grounded in deeply human characters and real emotional stakes. I look forward to continuing to build on our work together while bringing new ideas and ambitious stories to the studio in the years ahead."

Studio leadership emphasized Hawley's track record in building long-running television properties for broadcast audiences.

"Alexi has built 'The Rookie' into one of broadcast television's strongest and most enduring franchises, with a flagship series that continues to grow and a compelling new chapter on the horizon with 'The Rookie: North,'" said Kevin Beggs, Chair and Chief Creative Officer of Lionsgate TV Group. "He has a remarkable ability to create characters and stories that resonate with audiences year after year and bring a new generation of viewers into the franchise. We're excited to continue our partnership as we grow 'The Rookie' franchise and bring Alexi's new projects to the screen."

Both The Rookie and The Rookie: North remain in active production ahead of their planned 2027 broadcasts on ABC.