Mekia Cox's Epic Fan Reaction to 'The Rookie's' Iconic Chenford Kiss!

Even the stars of 'The Rookie' aren't immune to the captivating drama and heart-stopping romance that unfolds on screen! Mekia Cox, who brilliantly portrays the sharp-witted Detective Nyla Harper, recently shared her incredibly relatable and enthusiastic reaction to watching the much-anticipated first kiss between fan-favorite couple Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) – affectionately known as 'Chenford' – for the very first time.

It turns out, she was just as thrilled as the millions of viewers screaming at their televisions!

“I was so excited!” Cox exclaimed, reminiscing about the pivotal Season 5 moment that sent 'Rookie' fans into a frenzy. Despite being part of the cast, the actress experienced the kiss as a genuine viewer, allowing herself to get swept up in the on-screen magic.

“I was literally sitting there watching it with my family, and I was screaming at the TV, ‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God!’”

While Cox had witnessed O'Neil and Winter rehearsing the scene during filming, the actual moment airing on TV was a completely different experience. As she recounted, "You don't know exactly when it’s going to be, how they edit it and all that kind of stuff.

So, I literally watched it just like a fan. And I was so excited. I was rooting for them so much.” This unique perspective, seeing the behind-the-scenes work transform into a gripping on-screen event, highlights the power of editing and storytelling even for those directly involved.

The 'Chenford' romance has been a slow-burn masterpiece, years in the making since 'The Rookie' first premiered in 2018.

From mentor-mentee dynamics to partners and eventually to something much deeper, their journey has captivated audiences. Cox reflected on the sheer anticipation, noting that the relationship had been "building for a very, very, very long time.”

The impact of this relationship isn't just felt by the audience; it resonates with the characters too.

Cox hinted at how this burgeoning romance might affect her character, Nyla Harper, and her best friend, Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz). "I’m sure it probably does [affect them] in some way,” Cox mused, adding that she'd have to rewatch to fully gauge the ripple effects. But one thing is clear: the on-screen relationships often mirror the camaraderie off-screen.

Looking ahead, Cox is just as invested in the future of 'Chenford' as any devoted fan.

“I’m hoping that it continues to stay there,” she shared. “I’m hoping that it continues to bring about more exciting story lines.” Her enthusiasm is a testament to the strong storytelling and the deep connections forged within 'The Rookie' universe, both for its characters and its devoted viewership.