Showrunner and creator Alexi Hawley has finalized an extended overall agreement with Lionsgate Television, building upon a partnership that began in 2024. The multi-year contract ensures his continued involvement with the “The Rookie” franchise while providing opportunities to develop and produce additional scripted programming for the studio.
“The Rookie,” which premiered on ABC in 2018, enters its ninth season under Hawley’s creative direction. The series has expanded into a growing franchise that includes the spinoff “The Rookie: Feds” and the forthcoming ABC spinoff “The Rookie: North,” featuring actor Jay Ellis. Hawley serves as showrunner on both the flagship series and its newest spinoff installment.
Beyond his work on “The Rookie” universe, Hawley is developing “The Envoy” for HBO Max through Lionsgate Television. The drama project, adapted from a Vanity Fair article by Adam Ciralsky, explores the work of Roger Carstens and his State Department team in securing the release of 70 American hostages during his tenure as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. The series was previously in development at Hulu before transitioning to HBO Max.
Kevin Beggs, chair and chief creative officer of Lionsgate TV Group, praised Hawley’s storytelling capabilities and his contribution to broadcast television’s landscape. Hawley’s prior collaborations with Lionsgate include the Netflix spy thriller “The Recruit,” which completed two seasons on the platform.
Originally reported by Variety →
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