As we prepare for the Blue Bloods season 12 premiere, we have to ask: Is Andrew Terraciano leaving the show? He’s been a huge part of the series for some time as Sean Reagan, but some quotes heading into the episode made us very much nervous.

Even before the first episode aired tonight, series star (and new executive producer) Tom Selleck made it clear that Sean’s status was in flux as he was entering the next part of his life. Here’s what he had to say to Parade:

In the beginning of a season, we’re consumed with how do we start off a show that is consistent and isn’t a stunt first episode? Like, “Oh, my God! They’re going to blow up the Reagan house and everybody’s going to die!” That won’t work. I’m very, very enthused about the first few scripts. I know young Sean [Andrew Terraciano] is leaving. He’s going to college. That presents issues for Danny [Donnie Wahlberg].

Here’s the good news: Sean was still in the premiere. Not only that, but so was Jack! We’ll have to wait and see if that trend holds.

Over the years the Blue Bloods writers have done a good job of making these exits happen organically: We’ve seen Jack leave for college before, whereas Nicky took a job on the other side of the country. As kids become adults they’ll want to go live their lives, and that does often mean that you’re going to see them away from family dinner a little more often. That doesn’t mean that there is some sudden lack of love there.

While it’s possible Andrew may be leaving the show in a larger capacity, don’t take Sean going off to college as a sign he’s gone for good — provided that he does leave. We think the writers will always leave the door open for more; his exit does probably mean a number of other characters could rotate in and out of family dinner. This table has gotten a little smaller as of late and we’re sure that some changes are going to be coming to keep things fresh.

Are you going to miss Andrew Terraciano and Sean on Blue Bloods?

Be sure to share right now in the attached comments! Once you take a look at that, remember to stick around — there are more updates coming and of course, we don’t want you to miss any of them.

Jack’s Departure Compared To Others Who Left The Show

The Series Has Said Goodbye To A Handful Of Regulars

Jack isn’t the only character to appear less over time. Other regular cast members who have left the series though haven’t simply seen their episode count lessened. Instead, they have left the show completely. In some cases, their character has even been killed.

One of the earliest characters to leave the show was Jackie Curatola, played by Jennifer Esposito. Esposito needed a reduced schedule after being diagnosed with Celiac disease. Instead of reducing her workload, however, producers cut her from the show. Jackie was written out in season 3 with the idea that her character had been burnt out by the detective work and needed a change. Esposito has since returned to the show for guest-starring spots.

Amy Carlson, who played Linda Reagan on the series, rose from a recurring character in the early seasons of the show to become a series regular by season 5. When her contract was up at the end of season 7, however, she opted not to renew it for the eighth season and beyond. Carlson’s character was written off with a death. Linda died in a helicopter crash while helping a patient in between seasons 7 and 8, which meant the actress didn’t even get to appear on screen to close out her time on the show.