After 293 Episodes, Is the Reagan Family Really Saying Goodbye? Not If the Cast of Blue Bloods Has Anything to Say
With the announcement that Blue Bloods will conclude with its 14th season, fans and cast members alike are grappling with the end of an era. Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and the rest of the ensemble have been vocal about their desire to keep the beloved series alive. As they prepare to say farewell, the stars are reflecting on how the Reagan family became an integral part of their lives and why letting go is proving to be so difficult.
A Rocky Start, Then a Steady Climb to Success
Back in 2010, Blue Bloods faced an uncertain future. โCBS had 10 pilots that year, and ours was the last one picked, but it tested the highest,โ recalls Tom Selleck, who has portrayed Commissioner Frank Reagan for all 14 seasons. The showโs success owes much to legendary producer Leonard Goldberg. โTom and Leonard were titans of TV,โ says Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan. โTheir reputations and dedication helped get the show off the ground.โ
Wahlberg, who was on tour with New Kids on the Block at the time, received a frantic call about the show while at sea. โI was on a cruise with 3,000 fans, not expecting a call about Blue Bloods,โ Wahlberg recalls with a laugh.
Despite being offered a challenging late-night time slot, Blue Bloods defied the odds. โImagine pitching a show to CBS in 2010, telling them it would succeed even in their worst time slot. And it did for 15 years,โ Selleck marvels.
The Reagan Family: More Than Just TV Characters
The chemistry among the main cast was immediate, though not without challenges. Selleck commuted between Los Angeles and New York for filming, a demanding schedule he never questioned. โThe commute was tough, but I never considered not doing it,โ he says. The iconic Reagan family dinner scenes, a staple in every episode, became a beloved part of the show. โI told Leonard Goldberg early on, โTheyโre going to cut the dinner scenes,โ but Leonard promised they wouldnโt, and he kept that promise.โ
Selleck had initial reservations about playing Frank Reagan, particularly about mastering a New York accent. โI was terrified when the director suggested it the night before shooting,โ he admits. Yet, his portrayal became a cornerstone of the series. Wahlberg adds, โTom fought for the showโs integrity, especially in the beginning, ensuring it remained centered on family.โ
Season 14: A Bittersweet Farewell
As the cast wraps up after 14 seasons and 293 episodes, the reality of saying goodbye is sinking in. Although filming concluded months ago, the finality still feels surreal. The last two episodes air on December 13, marking an emotional end for the team.
โI knew the final season would be shorter, but I pushed for more episodes to give the show a proper send-off,โ Selleck shares. He remains puzzled about CBSโs decision to end the series. โI donโt understand why they didnโt explore streaming or a limited series format. Thereโs so much more to give with this incredible cast.โ
The Final Scene: A Powerful Farewell
The last scene filmed was a funeral, but the emotional highlight was the final Reagan family dinner. โThose scenes symbolized the heart of the show,โ Wahlberg reflects. The cast gathered, knowing this was their last time together on set. In a poignant moment, Selleck recited Edna St. Vincent Millayโs โLove Is Not All,โ a poem deeply meaningful to him. โIt felt right for the occasion,โ he says, recalling a similar moment on Magnum P.I.
As Selleck read, emotions ran high. Wahlberg struggled to contain his tears, reflecting on his journey with the show. โHearing Tom read that poem, I was overwhelmed with memories. It felt like the end of a magical chapter.โ
Though the series is ending, the legacy of Blue Bloods and the Reagan family will endure in the hearts of fans and cast members for years to come. Their on-screen and off-screen bond created a lasting impact, one that wonโt be forgotten.
