It’s hard to believe that “Blue Bloods” is coming to an end—this time for good. After 14 seasons, the show has been a cornerstone of CBS, with Tom Selleck shining as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. As we bid farewell to the series, many fans are hopeful that CBS will keep Selleck in the spotlight. Since 2015, he’s expressed a desire to produce another installment in the Jesse Stone franchise, and now seems like the perfect time to revive it. Given that these made-for-TV films are among the highest-rated out there, it’s hard to imagine CBS passing up the opportunity to bring them back, especially if it means keeping Selleck in the mix.
Tom Selleck Wants More Jesse Stone — and So Do We
For CBS to produce more Jesse Stone films (currently there are nine), Selleck’s involvement is crucial. Thankfully, he’s been eager to get a tenth film rolling for nearly a decade. “If ‘Blue Bloods’ doesn’t get uncanceled, there’s definitely room for a Jesse Stone because I’ve written them,” Selleck shared with Parade in May 2024. “I love Jesse. He’s older now, and it’s been a while since the last one—there’s a lot of interesting material to explore.” From the moment “Blue Bloods” was announced to be ending, Selleck has made it clear that he’s ready to continue working, and portraying TV lawmen is where he truly thrives.
With “Blue Bloods” airing since 2010—the same year “Jesse Stone: No Remorse” premiered—it became increasingly challenging for Selleck to juggle both roles. While he always intended to return to Jesse Stone, his commitment to the CBS drama took precedence. After all, three more Jesse Stone films were produced during the run of “Blue Bloods,” the last being “Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise” in 2015. Though Jesse wasn’t a young character when Selleck first portrayed him in 2005’s “Jesse Stone: Stone Cold,” the prospect of depicting an older Jesse is intriguing, especially if it means returning to this beloved role.
Similar to successful streaming series like “Longmire,” the Jesse Stone movies have consistently attracted an older audience. Fans appreciate the character’s unique perspective, the original Robert B. Parker novels, and, of course, Tom Selleck himself. The crime drama element is irresistible, making Jesse Stone a standout.
Hallmark Holds the Rights to ‘Jesse Stone’
One potential obstacle for CBS in reviving the Jesse Stone franchise is that they no longer hold the rights. The first eight films were made in collaboration with CBS, allowing Selleck creative freedom, but the latest installment, “Lost in Paradise,” aired on Hallmark Channel. “Hallmark bought two movies,” Selleck noted in a 2015 Wall Street Journal interview, indicating they still have a contract for one more.
While the specifics of Selleck’s deal with Hallmark remain unclear, it’s possible their rights to Jesse Stone may have lapsed. Whether Hallmark is interested in producing another film is uncertain, but the end of “Blue Bloods” could clarify this situation. Regardless, let’s hope Selleck can make the most of his post-“Blue Bloods” career and give Jesse Stone the fitting conclusion he deserves—or, even better, resume the series as if he never left. If CBS doesn’t take the leap, it’s likely someone else will.
