“‘Blue Bloods’ Creator Discusses Influences from Iconic Series Finales on Their Own Show’s Final Episode”
The final episode of Blue Bloods is rapidly approaching after more than a decade on air.
As the long-running drama nears its conclusion, showrunner Kevin Wade has shared his thoughts on how he and his team are preparing to wrap up the series. Fans were left heartbroken in November 2023 when CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf announced that the show would conclude with Season 14.
In their joint statement, Reisenbach and Stapf reflected on the show’s impact, saying, “Blue Bloods will forever be a beloved part of CBS’ legacy. It dominated Friday nights since its debut, becoming a cornerstone of our lineup with an exceptionally devoted fan base. We’re immensely grateful to the legendary Leonard Goldberg for creating this iconic series and to the remarkable cast, led by Tom Selleck, who became a part of America’s family and was warmly welcomed at the Reagan dinner table.”
Wade, 70, revealed to TVLine in an interview published on September 5 that he and his team have been deeply thoughtful about the show’s finale. He revisited the series finales of several classic television shows, including MASH*, Cheers, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Sopranos, to draw inspiration for the final episode. “What I found common among these finales,” Wade said, “was that they did a great show and then, in the last few minutes, made a slight shift to acknowledge that this was the end.”
In a related note, lead actor Tom Selleck, who has played Commissioner Frank Reagan since the show’s debut in 2010, expressed hope that CBS might reconsider its decision. “I will continue to think that CBS will come to their senses,” Selleck, 79, said during an interview with CBS News in May. “We’re the third highest scripted show on broadcast TV. We’re leading the night. All the cast wants to return. I can assure you, we’re still delivering a strong show and maintaining our position.”
Selleck starred alongside Donnie Wahlberg (Detective Danny Reagan), Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan), Will Estes (Sergeant Jamie Reagan), and Len Cariou (Henry Reagan) throughout the show’s run.
