“10 Must-Watch Shows for Fans of Blue Bloods”
With the end of Blue Bloods after its impressive 14-year run, fans of the Reagan family and their dedication to both law enforcement and family bonds may be feeling the void. The show’s unique blend of police procedural and family drama, particularly the iconic Reagan family dinner scenes, made it stand out among other crime series. Despite a massive fan-driven campaign to save Blue Bloods, CBS ultimately ended the series on December 13, 2024. While there’s no confirmed spinoff in development yet, fans can still find shows with similar themes of family, duty, and justice to fill the gap left behind.
Here are 10 great shows to watch if you miss Blue Bloods:
10. Law & Order: Organized Crime
Though grittier than Blue Bloods, Law & Order: Organized Crime offers a similar blend of family and police storylines. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) works for the Organized Crime Bureau, dealing with complex cases involving gangs and mob families. Like Danny Reagan, Stabler’s journey is deeply personal, especially in his search for answers after his wife’s murder. The show also delves into family dynamics—particularly Stabler’s complicated relationships with his children and aging mother. Season 4 adds to the family drama, with the introduction of Stabler’s brothers and the Stabler family’s attempts at reconciliation.
9. Matlock
At first glance, Matlock may seem far removed from Blue Bloods, given its focus on legal procedurals rather than policing. However, like Blue Bloods, it deals with moral dilemmas and family issues. The series stars Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matlock” Kingston, a family matriarch investigating the people responsible for her daughter’s death while raising her young grandson. Though it has a different tone and genre, Matlock shares Blue Bloods’ emphasis on justice and family bonds, with Bates bringing star power comparable to Tom Selleck’s.
8. Chicago PD
While Chicago PD focuses more on high-stakes law enforcement and less on family dinners, it shares Blue Bloods‘ commitment to showcasing the human side of police work. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), a no-nonsense cop, struggles with ethical dilemmas while working to protect his city and his family. Voight’s son’s murder adds to his personal stakes, and later seasons also highlight the struggles of officers like Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek, who navigate their relationship while raising an adopted daughter. The series’ emphasis on balancing family and law enforcement duties mirrors Blue Bloods’ themes.
7. Judging Amy
Judging Amy is a family-centered legal drama that captures the same values and personal struggles seen in Blue Bloods. The series stars Amy Brenneman as Amy Gray, a family court judge who is navigating her professional and personal life, including living with her mother (Tyne Daly) after a divorce. The show delves into the moral challenges Amy faces both in the courtroom and at home, making it a great option for those who miss the ethical dilemmas and close-knit family dynamics of Blue Bloods.
6. Homicide: Life On The Street
For those who appreciated Blue Bloods‘ gritty, realistic portrayal of law enforcement, Homicide: Life on the Street is a must-watch. Filmed on location in Baltimore, this series is known for its realistic depiction of police work and its in-depth character development. While the family elements are less pronounced, Homicide explores the emotional toll of working in a homicide unit, with strong performances from Andre Braugher and Kyle Secor. The show’s portrayal of the struggles and sacrifices of law enforcement officers makes it a natural companion to Blue Bloods for those seeking a serious, emotionally charged procedural.
5. The Wire
Another of David Simon’s masterpieces, The Wire offers a gritty, realistic look at the world of law enforcement in Baltimore, focusing on different aspects of the drug trade. Like Homicide, The Wire features police officers facing difficult moral choices while dealing with a broken system. While the series doesn’t include a traditional family dynamic like Blue Bloods, it is filled with rich character development and intricate storylines about people trying to do their jobs while navigating their personal lives. Fans of Blue Bloods’ portrayal of complex characters and their struggles with family and duty will appreciate The Wire’s nuanced storytelling.
4. The Rookie
If you’re missing the family-centered police work in Blue Bloods, The Rookie is a great fit. The show follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), an older man who becomes a police officer after a life-changing event. The Rookie explores the challenges of being an older rookie in the police force, but it also delves into family issues, with Nolan navigating his relationships with his ex-wife, his son, and his new partner. Much like Blue Bloods, the series balances personal and professional struggles, offering an optimistic yet realistic view of law enforcement.
3. NYPD Blue
NYPD Blue broke new ground in the ’90s with its raw depiction of NYPD officers. While it may be more explicit and gritty than Blue Bloods, both shows share a focus on the lives of police officers in New York City. The characters in NYPD Blue face personal and professional challenges while working to protect the city. Though it is more intense than Blue Bloods, its character-driven approach to police work makes it a compelling watch for fans who enjoyed Blue Bloods‘ portrayal of complex officers navigating moral dilemmas.
2. Madam Secretary
Though it revolves around the high-stakes world of international diplomacy rather than law enforcement, Madam Secretary shares Blue Bloods‘ focus on family and duty. Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) balances her role as Secretary of State with her personal life, often struggling to find time for her family while navigating global crises. Like Frank Reagan, Elizabeth is deeply committed to her job, but her family remains her priority, providing a nice parallel to the Reagan family dynamic in Blue Bloods.
1. This Is Us
While This Is Us isn’t a police procedural, it is one of the most beloved family dramas of recent years. The series chronicles the lives of the Pearson family, using non-linear storytelling to explore their relationships over multiple decades. This Is Us focuses on family bonds, love, loss, and personal growth, much like Blue Bloods but in a more emotional, dramatic context. The way the show weaves together the lives of the Pearson siblings, their parents, and their children offers a similar sense of warmth and emotional depth that made Blue Bloods’ family-centered storytelling so compelling.
Each of these shows offers something unique but resonates with Blue Bloods fans by balancing family values with personal and professional struggles. Whether you’re seeking another procedural, a legal drama, or a heartfelt family story, these series provide a range of options to fill the Blue Bloods-shaped gap in your TV lineup.
