Tom Selleck Reflects on Blue Bloods Cancellation Days Before Final Episodes
As Blue Bloods approaches the airing of its final eight episodes, Tom Selleck has voiced his feelings about the cancellation of a series he believes is still “wildly successful.” In an interview with TV Insider published on October 3, the 79-year-old actor shared his frustration over the decision to end the beloved show after 14 seasons.
A Frustrating Farewell
“I’m kind of frustrated,” Selleck stated, emphasizing that he hasn’t wanted to focus on the show’s ending but rather on its continued success. He pointed to Blue Bloods’ impressive ranking as the No. 9 show on Nielsen’s Top 100 most-watched TV programs for the 2023-24 season. He noted that if you discount the top three—NFL Sunday Night, Monday Night, and Thursday Night Football—the series would actually rank sixth.
Selleck elaborated, saying, “My frustration is the show was always taken for granted because it performed from the get-go.” He highlighted the challenge of finding a successful program that could sustain viewership for 15 years, especially when placed in less favorable time slots.
The Impact of the Decision
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Selleck expressed disbelief that a series with such consistent performance could face cancellation. “If you were to say to the television network, ‘Here’s a show you can program in the worst time slot you got, and it is going to guarantee you winning Friday night for the next 15 years,’ it would be almost impossible to believe,” he remarked.
As the series wraps up, Selleck acknowledges that it will take time for him to process the end of a project that has been a significant part of his life since it first aired in 2010. “I remember after the weekend [of the final episode’s shoot], I said, ‘I’ve got to get to bed early tonight because I have to do my dialogue for Monday.’ Well, there was no Monday. It’s just going to take a while,” he reflected.
Hope for Future Change
Despite his disappointment, Selleck remains hopeful. He previously expressed on CBS Sunday Morning that he believes CBS might reconsider their decision. “I will continue to think that CBS will come to their senses,” he said, emphasizing that all the cast members want to return and continue working on the series. “We aren’t sliding off down a cliff. We’re doing good shows and still holding our place.”
Conclusion
As fans prepare for the final episodes of Blue Bloods, Selleck’s reflections underscore the emotional weight of the show’s cancellation. His frustration and hope highlight the strong bond formed among the cast and crew over the years. With a legacy of compelling storytelling and family dynamics, Blue Bloods will leave a lasting impact on its viewers, even as it bids farewell to the Reagan family. As the final curtain falls, fans can look forward to a series of poignant moments that honor the journey of this beloved show.
