The Rookie Season 9 Gets Chenford Update After Kidnapping Cliffhanger

Published Oct 14, 2026, 11:53 AM EDT

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Chen and Bradford's chances for a redo in The Rookie season 9 are revealed.

Moving to a new night and time slot, The Rookie season 9 premieres January 6 at 9 PM ET on ABC. It will be followed by the new spinoff, The Rookie: North, which debuts at 10 PM ET that same night. The new series, led by Jay Ellis, will feature a crossover appearance from Nathan Fillion's John Nolan. Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Bradford (Eric Winter) will also guest star.

The fan-favorite duo known as Chenford will first have to get out of their kidnapping predicament, which served as the closing shot of season 8, with O'Neil recently telling TV Line that Bradford will have to redo the long-awaited proposal that occurred mere moments before Chenford is abducted. She pushed the question over to series creator Alexi Hawley, saying in part: “A do-over of the proposal? Leave this here so Alexi can see it.”

As for Hawley, when asked about the chances of a do-over, the showrunner and executive producer who wrote the season 8 finale said the proposal was “incredibly romantic,” though he doubts the pair will get a second shot. “I think you'd have a little PTSD about it if it would happen again,” Hawley says.

After several seasons of ups and downs, Chen and Bradford do get through the whole proposal. They even enjoy a few moments after, with a couple strolling along the beach to congratulate them on their milestone moment. But it's quickly revealed that the couple is actually sent by Heath Everett (Jeffrey Vincent Parise), a villain with a score to settle, especially with Bradford.

It tops off a finale that's a bit hectic for Bradford. At one point, naturally, everyone knew about the proposal plans except for Chen. Worse, he loses the engagement ring, and it's only found at the last moment. He also spends most of the episode clashing with Wesley (Shawn Ashmore) over the realities of representing Everett.

Still, all told, it's no secret that Chenford will make it out alive. It's more a question of how they'll do it and what life will look like once they get back to a sense of normalcy. A redo may not be on the cards, but they're due for a break.

The Rookie season 9 premieres January 6 at 9 PM ET on ABC.