“Blue Bloods Star Reflects on the Warmth of the Cast, and His Comments Are Making Me Miss the Characters”
Given that Blue Bloods wrapped up just a couple of weeks before the 2025 TV schedule kicked off, it’s no surprise that long-time fans are still grappling with the Reagan family’s absence from CBS’ Friday nights. The same sentiment is shared by many of the show’s stars, including those who weren’t part of the series from the start. Even Steve Schirripa, who joined the show in Season 6, had bittersweet feelings about saying goodbye with the conclusion of Season 14.
One of the key reasons Blue Bloods captivated audiences for so long was the close-knit dynamics of the Reagan family, especially those dinner scenes around Frank Reagan’s table. Schirripa reflected on how warmly he was embraced by the cast when he joined, playing retired detective Anthony Abetemarco. Despite being the newcomer in Season 6, Schirripa felt immediately welcomed by the tight-knit group. “It was a really close group, a nice group of people. I didn’t know anyone, so it’s strange when you’re stepping in and everyone knows each other, and you’re the new guy. But they treated me like one of them from day one.”
Schirripa originally signed on for just two episodes in Season 6, but his character quickly became a fan favorite, leading to his involvement in a total of 146 episodes. The producers were eager to keep him around, and Schirripa was more than happy to stay.
Had the cast not been so welcoming, Schirripa’s time on the show might have been very different. But as he shared, the camaraderie and kindness from his co-stars lasted throughout his entire tenure. He especially appreciated his time working with Bridget Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg. “I mostly worked with Bridget and Donnie, but I ended up working with everyone at some point. I love working with Bridget, she’s an underrated actress, and Donnie is just a great guy—fun to work with.”
After years of working together, it’s no surprise that Schirripa has positive things to say about Wahlberg, who is known for his kind and down-to-earth nature. Schirripa also believes that Moynihan deserves more recognition for her acting. As the series comes to an end, many hope she lands another prominent role soon. Schirripa also shared that he’s stayed in touch with his former co-stars since the show wrapped: “I just saw Bridget at the Knicks game, and I talked to Will Estes the other day. We keep in touch.”
The Blue Bloods finale brought in one of the highest viewing numbers for any series that ended in 2024, though Yellowstone’s finale did outperform it on cable. Still, many fans and cast members are hopeful that some of these beloved characters will make a return to the small screen—perhaps in a smaller format to keep costs manageable.
