Will Chenford reunite in The Rookie Season 8? Answer revealed by the showrunner

When it comes to slow burns, Tim and Lucy in The Rookie might take the prize. However, the "Chenford" (Broadford and Chen, get it?) ship was happily sailing until Tim decided to blow up their love lives and break up with Lucy in Season 6. Even though he had his reasons to do so, it broke a lot of hearts, especially Lucy's.

Throughout Season 7 of the show, both of these characters have undergone a lot of individual growth, with Tim working on his issues and Lucy being promoted to Sergeant. However, fans have been waiting for the two of them to find their way back to each other, and it looks like The Rookie Season 8 will make all of the "Chenford" dreams come true.

Showrunner Alexi Hawley, in a recent conversation with Collider, dropped some very subtle hints about the future of the couple, and things are looking bright so far.

Keep reading to find out what she revealed!

Showrunner Alexi Hawley on Lucy and Tim's future in The Rookie Season 8

The Rookie Season 8, much like the last season, has been held back for a midseason premiere and will make it to our screens sometime in 2026, after the promotional push around New Year's. We might have to wait a little bit longer to find out what chaos Monica causes after her immunity deal, just as the Chenford fans have been waiting for the couple to find their way back to each other.

Over the course of The Rookie Season 7, Tim and Chen have faced a lot of personal growth, but they've also grown closer to each other in the little moments here and there. Granted, they are yet to have the conversation they need to; if only Chen could stay awake long enough for them to, but things are looking much better for the couple next season.

Showrunner Hawley talks about the growth they've faced this season and the rewards they might reap in the next one:

"He blew up the love of both of their lives, and so it didn’t feel like it could be earned cheaply. And I think that we’ve seen him do the work. We’ve seen her focus on her prioritizing her career, and now obstacles have started to fall away"

Tim, unaware that she had already dozed off after her night shift, had asked Chen to move in together, so there is a big possibility that this might be the next step forward for the couple in The Rookie Season 8. Showrunner Hawley has revealed that the question will be addressed in the season, and considering everything the couple has been through in this journey, it might just be time for them to get back together.

It was important for the two of them to grow separately and then find their way back to each other, for the breakup to have a significant impact on their lives. But after The Rookie Season 7 finale, a new leaf has been turned in their journey.

When asked if the couple might achieve stability like some of the couples on The Rookie, Hawley had a subtle yet positive reply for fans:

"They're happy when they're together. I think that's pretty simple. That's a pretty simple thing. I think the short answer is yes. How's that?"

Read More: The Rookie Season 8: Everything we know so far as ABC plan Spring 2026 release

It will be heartwarming to witness Chenford find their way back to each other this next season, so keep reading SoapCentral for more such scoops on your favorite shows!

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh