“Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg Reflect on the End of ‘Blue Bloods’ as They Prepare for a Final Farewell”

After 293 Episodes, Is the Reagan Family Really Saying Goodbye? Not if the Cast of Blue Bloods Can Help It

Since the news broke that Blue Bloods would be concluding with its 14th season, Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and the rest of the cast have been outspoken about their desire to continue the beloved series. But even as the show prepares to air its final episodes, the stars are reflecting on how the Reagan family became such an enduring part of their lives — and why they’re still struggling to accept the end.

A Rocky Start, Then A Steady Climb to Success

It’s hard to believe, but back in 2010, Blue Bloods almost didn’t get picked up. “CBS had 10 pilots that year, and ours was the last one they chose, but also the highest-testing one they did,” recalls Tom Selleck, who has played Commissioner Frank Reagan for all 14 seasons. Legendary producer Leonard Goldberg was a key reason the show found its footing. “Tom and Leonard were two titans of television. Sorry to embarrass you, Dad,” says Donnie Wahlberg, who portrays Detective Danny Reagan. “Their reputations, their talent, and their commitment helped get this show on the air.”

At the time, Wahlberg was on tour with New Kids on the Block, and he remembers getting a frantic call while at sea, trying to reach him before CBS’ upfronts in New York. “I was on a cruise with 3,000 fans, and they were desperately trying to get me to New York for the upfronts,” Wahlberg laughs. “I was with the band, not expecting a phone call about Blue Bloods.”

But CBS eventually offered the show a late-night time slot, and with the odds stacked against it, Blue Bloods defied expectations. “Imagine telling CBS in 2010, ‘Here’s a show to put in your worst time slot. Don’t promote it, and it’ll still win the night for 15 years.’ That’s pretty amazing,” says Selleck.

The Reagan Family: More Than Just TV Characters

The chemistry between the main cast was immediate, though it wasn’t without its challenges. Selleck had to make frequent trips back and forth from his home in Los Angeles to New York City for filming, which wasn’t always easy. But he says it was worth it. “It was a commute every two weeks, but I never thought about not doing it,” he admits. And for him, the iconic Reagan family dinner scenes, which appear in every episode, were a special part of the show. “I told Leonard Goldberg early on, ‘They’re going to cut the dinner scenes. They always do on TV,’ but Leonard promised they wouldn’t. And he kept his word.”

When filming began, Selleck had reservations about taking on the role of Frank Reagan, particularly about nailing the New York accent. “I was terrified,” he admits. “The director called the night before and said, ‘I think you should do a New York accent.’ I had no idea how to do that!” But Selleck’s portrayal of Frank was spot-on, and he soon became the backbone of the series. Wahlberg notes, “Tom always fought for the show’s integrity, especially in the early days. The direction they wanted to take wasn’t about family, and Tom wouldn’t let that happen.”

Season 14: A Bittersweet Farewell

Now, after 14 seasons and 293 episodes, the cast is grappling with the reality of saying goodbye. Filming wrapped five months ago, but it still hasn’t fully sunk in for either Selleck or Wahlberg. The final two episodes will air on December 13, and the emotions are running high as the team prepares to bid farewell.

“I was told early on that the final season would only be 10 episodes, and I was ready to accept it,” Selleck says. “But then I went to CBS and argued for eight more episodes, and luckily, they agreed. The show deserved a proper farewell, something we could all be proud of.”

Selleck admits he still can’t quite figure out why CBS is ending the show. “I don’t understand why they didn’t take the opportunity to stream it or make it a 10-episode series every year. It feels like there was more to give, especially with this incredible cast,” he says, though he acknowledges that he’s not the one making those decisions. “But we’re still getting used to it. I’ve been so proud of what this show represented.”

The Final Scene: A Powerful Farewell

The last scene to be filmed was a funeral, but the true emotional moment came just before that, when the Reagan family gathered around the dinner table for one final time. “Those dinner scenes became a symbol of the heart of the show,” Wahlberg says, his voice catching. “We all waited for that moment, knowing that once it was over, it was really over. But it didn’t feel real until Tom read a poem.”

Selleck, moved by the moment, recited Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Love Is Not All,” a poem that has been important to him for many years. “I’ve always loved it,” he says, recalling once reading it to Tyne Daly during a guest appearance on Magnum P.I. in 1982. “It just felt right in that moment.”

As he read, the cast found themselves overcome with emotion. Wahlberg struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his journey. “When Tom started reading that poem, my life passed before my eyes. I was sitting next to this man, who had been such a big part of my life, listening to his voice, and I couldn’t stop the tears. It was like the end of a magical chapter for all of us.”

Despite the finality of the moment, it’s clear that Blue Bloods and the Reagan family will remain in the hearts of fans and cast members alike for years to come. The legacy they’ve created, both on-screen and off, is one that won’t easily be forgotten.