Long before Jenna Dewan and Eric Winter were solving crimes on The Rookie, they were wrapped in a different kind of drama — one filled with magic, forbidden love, and a supernatural war between good and evil.
Yes, we’re talking about the long-forgotten fantasy series Witches of East End — where these two stars first collided, not as cops, but as magical lovers in a steamy, spellbound saga.
And trust us — if you forgot about it, you’re missing a whole side of them.
A Magical Affair Long Before LAPD
In Witches of East End (2013–2014), Jenna Dewan starred as Freya Beauchamp, a powerful witch caught between two supernatural brothers. One of them? Eric Winter’s character, Dash Gardiner — a wealthy, mysterious man who turns from charming to dangerously unhinged in the blink of an eye.
Their relationship wasn’t just intense — it was explosively dramatic.
From potions and premonitions to betrayal, resurrection, and power struggles, Freya and Dash’s love story was a hot mess of witchcraft, lust, and rage.
And the chemistry? Unmistakable.
“Dewan and Winter didn’t just play lovers — they lit up the screen like a fire spell gone wrong,” wrote one fan blog during the show’s heyday.
Why No One Talks About It Anymore
Despite its cult following, Witches of East End was canceled after just two seasons — a blow to fantasy fans and shippers of Freya/Dash alike. The ending was left on a cliffhanger, and the actors went their separate ways…
…until fate brought them back together on The Rookie.
Now they’re both part of the hit ABC procedural — Dewan as Bailey Nune, and Winter as the tough, no-nonsense Sergeant Tim Bradford. But this time? Their characters rarely even share a scene.
No sparks, no kisses, no magic. Just uniforms and protocol.
From Enchanted to Estranged
It’s almost surreal to watch them now: two actors with blazing past chemistry, now walking separate narrative paths in a grounded cop drama. It’s a testament to their range — but it also makes fans wonder:
What if Freya and Dash had gotten their ending?
What if that fantasy world had continued… and collided with The Rookie universe?
Okay, that last one’s a stretch — but you get the idea.
The Glow-Up: From Fantasy to Primetime Power
While Witches of East End may be a footnote in their résumés, it laid the foundation for their undeniable on-screen presence. Dewan moved on to roles in Supergirl, The Resident, and dance projects; Winter cemented his place as one of TV’s most reliable leading men.
But no matter how many badges they wear now, it’s hard to forget the fire they conjured when spells — not search warrants — were involved.
Conclusion: Before the Badge, There Was Magic
So the next time you see Bailey tending to a rescue or Bradford calling the shots at a raid, take a moment. Hit pause. Go back. Watch Witches of East End.
Because before they were officers of the law…
they were lovers caught in a magical storm — and it was gloriously chaotic.
Trust us — it’s the wild, witchy ride you forgot you needed.
