Outgoing executive producer Stephen Nathan talks about the challenge of bringing back Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) after their hiatus in the upcoming season of "Bones."

In an interview with TV Guide, Nathan shared that it would have been impossible to push through with season 11 without the two main characters. The difficulty lied in getting them back working at the Jeffersonian without bungling the original plotline.

"We know Booth and Brennan. This is what they do. But how do we reintroduce them into a world and a family that they have bid farewell to? How the hell do we get these two people back while being true to everything that made them leave?"

Nathan said that the premise was what would make season 11 surprising, as viewers would be forced to see the characters in a new light.

"That's why doing these big moves is always so interesting to us and so much fun. It forces you to realize that there are expectations that always fall short of reality."

When asked if they ever considered letting Booth and Brennan get on with their lives instead of bringing them back to the fold, the executive producer was firm with his answer.

"Realistically, no. We never for a second thought that because there are too many important pieces. Would we keep Booth and Brennan and forget the other regulars? All of the characters make up this show. You can't really pull one thread without undoing the whole sweater."

Meanwhile, Nathan also discussed on Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (TJ Thyne) staying with the Jeffersonian and how their relationship would proceed. He said that Angela would eventually come to terms with the fact that she and Hodgins are two different people and learn to accept that.

Season 11 will premiere Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.