After captivating audiences for over a decade, Blue Bloods, the beloved police drama starring Tom Selleck as Commissioner Frank Reagan, is officially coming to an end. The series, which began in 2010, has been a staple of CBS’s primetime lineup and a consistent fan favorite. Now, as the curtain falls on this iconic show after 14 seasons, Selleck has shared his frustration and reflections on its conclusion.
A Frustrating Goodbye
In an emotional interview with TV Insider, Selleck didn’t hide his disappointment with CBS’s decision to wrap up the show.
“I’m kind of frustrated,” Selleck admitted. “During those last eight episodes, I didn’t want to focus on ending Blue Bloods; instead, I wanted to celebrate its ongoing success.”
The veteran actor pointed out the show’s impressive performance in recent ratings:
“In a ranking of the Top 100 Shows for 2023-2024, in terms of total viewers, we ranked at number 9 out of 100. If you exclude the three football-related shows, we were at number 6!”
Selleck expressed how Blue Bloods had consistently dominated Friday night ratings for years and questioned the logic behind ending such a reliable series:
“If you were to tell the network that there’s a show that could fill any time slot and consistently win Friday nights for 15 years straight, wouldn’t you consider keeping it?”
The Emotional Final Scene
Selleck shared a touching detail about his final scene on the show, which brought his journey with Blue Bloods full circle:
“Fittingly, my last scene was a family dinner—the same as the first scene I filmed for the show 15 years ago. I’m not revealing too much about the final episode, but the family dinner brings the Reagan family back together.”
This iconic dinner scene, a hallmark of the show, serves as both a fitting farewell and a heartfelt nod to the strong family bonds that have been central to Blue Bloods’ success.
The Bond Beyond the Screen
When asked about what he would miss the most, Selleck didn’t hesitate:
“What I’ll miss the most are the actors. The bond we have is just like that of the Reagan family on the show, and everyone plays their part to perfection. Every single actor wanted to return whenever possible.”
He emphasized how rare it is for a cast to maintain such strong camaraderie for so long, avoiding the rivalries and tensions that often plague long-running shows.
The Legacy of Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods has always been more than just a police procedural. At its core, it’s a family drama exploring moral dilemmas, duty, and loyalty within the Reagan family. The show follows Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), the steadfast New York City Police Commissioner, and his children:
- Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg): A determined NYPD detective.
- Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan): An Assistant District Attorney navigating her responsibilities and family loyalty.
- Jamie Reagan (Will Estes): The youngest Reagan son, rising through the NYPD ranks.
- Henry Reagan (Len Cariou): Frank’s father and a former Police Commissioner.
The family dinner scenes became one of the show’s most cherished traditions, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the Reagan family’s values and struggles.
A Bittersweet End to a Legacy
As Tom Selleck prepares to close this chapter of his career, his words resonate with the millions of loyal Blue Bloods fans worldwide.
“This realization is going to take some getting used to,” Selleck reflected.
While the series may be ending, its legacy will undoubtedly live on through reruns, streaming platforms, and the memories it has created for fans and cast members alike.
For now, audiences can prepare to say goodbye to one of television’s most beloved families in what promises to be a poignant and heartfelt finale.
