In a recent interview with TV Insider, Tom Selleck shared his candid thoughts on the cancellation of Blue Bloods, where he has played NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan for nearly 15 years. The 79-year-old actor expressed his frustration over the decision and reflected on the show’s legacy as it comes to an end.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Selleck admitted he was disheartened by the news of the show’s cancellation, especially given its consistent success. “I’m kind of frustrated,” he stated. “During those last eight shows, I haven’t wanted to talk about an ending for Blue Bloods, but about it still being wildly successful.”
He emphasized that Blue Bloods had maintained a strong viewership, ranking among the top 100 shows for the 2023-2024 season. “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, highlighting the show’s impressive track record.
Feeling Taken for Granted
Selleck expressed disappointment that the series was often taken for granted, despite its strong performance from the very beginning. “My frustration is the show was always taken for granted because it performed from the get-go,” he shared. He reflected on the emotional weight of completing the series, noting that it would take time for him to fully process the end.
“My last scene was ironically family dinner — that was also the first scene I shot on the show 15 years ago!” he revealed, emphasizing the significance of this moment. The family dinner scene not only reconnected the Reagan family but also served as a poignant reminder of how far the characters had come.
Bonding with Co-Stars
Beyond the storyline, Selleck expressed that he would miss the camaraderie with his fellow actors the most. “The family of actors is as close as the Reagan family and the characters that they play,” he noted. He praised the close-knit atmosphere on set, saying, “There isn’t a single one of them who didn’t want to come back. Most shows don’t end that way — there’s petty jealousy and all sorts of things — and we seemed to overcome that.”
This sense of unity among the cast has defined the series, making its conclusion all the more meaningful.
Hope for the Future
While CBS announced the cancellation of Blue Bloods in November 2023, Selleck remains hopeful. In a previous interview with CBS News, he stated, “I will continue to think that CBS will come to their senses.” He pointed out that the show was still performing well, ranking as the third-highest scripted show on broadcast television.
As the series airs its final episodes, fans are left with a sense of nostalgia for the unforgettable moments and enduring characters that have made Blue Bloods a staple of television.
Conclusion
Tom Selleck’s heartfelt reflections on Blue Bloods highlight the emotional complexity of saying goodbye to a beloved series. As he prepares for life after Frank Reagan, fans can appreciate the impact the show has had on both its cast and its audience. With a legacy of strong storytelling and family values, Blue Bloods will be remembered fondly, and Selleck’s contributions to the character of Frank Reagan will continue to resonate long after the final credits roll.
