“Blue Bloods” Series Finale: EP Kevin Wade on the Final Dinner, The Reagans’ Farewell & Potential Spinoffs
In the Blue Bloods series finale, New York Mayor Peter Chase (Dylan Walsh) tells NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), “I’m handing you the keys,” amidst a violent gang war that has engulfed the streets, targeting police, judges, and anyone in their path. With murder and chaos spreading, the mayor, who has often clashed with Frank throughout the series, turns to the seasoned cop for help: “Get us out of this.”
Showrunner Kevin Wade explains the significance of the moment in the series’ 293rd episode, End of Tour, which marks the final chapter of the long-running drama. “Frank Reagan has spent 14 years battling with his boss. Now, there’s an opportunity for him to finally serve in a way that remains true to his character,” Wade says. “Frank’s a cop. When something bad happens, he’s the one who hunts down the person responsible.”
As gangs target law enforcement, the Reagan family—across multiple generations in the NYPD and DA’s office—unites to confront the violence, save a gang leader’s daughter, and protect their city. This includes Sergeant Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) and his wife Officer Eddie Janko-Reagan (Vanessa Ray), Detective First Grade Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and his partner Detective Marie Baez (Marisa Ramirez), and Assistant DA Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan) and her ex-husband Jack Boyle (Peter Hermann). The finale not only closes this chapter but also sets the stage for new beginnings.
Though Season 14 was delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, it was confirmed as the final season in November 2023. Split into two parts, Season 14 began airing on February 16, 2024, with 10 episodes, followed by the final eight episodes starting on October 18, 2024. Throughout the final stretch, Wade spoke to me about the series finale, his vision for the end of Blue Bloods, and how he chose to close out the story without killing off major characters. He also discussed the possibility of spinoffs in the future.
