The final day of filming Blue Bloods was filled with emotion, and for star Donnie Wahlberg, one unforgettable moment came from his on-screen father, Tom Selleck. The close bond between Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan, and Selleck, who stars as Commissioner Frank Reagan, has been an anchor for the cast both on and off screen, and the final moments together proved to be deeply moving.
Wahlberg recently shared how Selleck surprised the cast on their last day on set by visiting a place he almost never goes—the squad room. Known for being selective with his appearances in various set locations, Selleck made a rare visit that day, which Wahlberg described as a profoundly touching experience.
A Surprise Visit to the Squad Room
During an interview with TV Insider, Wahlberg recounted the moment that brought him to tears. “The last day on the set of Blue Bloods was a lot of tears,” Wahlberg said. “My final day was in the squad room where Danny and Baez filmed most of their scenes. Tom Selleck doesn’t come to the squad room ever—I don’t think he’s ever been in the squad room—but he came that day to watch us film the last day of the show.” Seeing Selleck standing there, filled with emotion, hit Wahlberg hard, stirring a mix of pride, nostalgia, and gratitude.
For Wahlberg, that gesture was a testament to the bond that had developed over 14 seasons. Seeing Selleck, a television icon with a powerful presence, emotionally invested in their final scenes underscored the significance of the moment. Wahlberg noted, “Seeing him there and seeing the emotion on his face, just, it, yeah, turned on the waterworks for me.” The sight of Selleck visibly moved at that moment added a layer of poignancy to their farewell, bringing home how much the show has meant to both cast and crew.
The Bond Beyond the Script: Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg
Wahlberg and Selleck’s connection extends far beyond the scenes they share on screen. In fact, Wahlberg has often referred to Selleck as “dad” both on and off set, reflecting the father-son dynamic they’ve developed over the years. In a February interview with Fox News Digital, Wahlberg explained how this nickname grew into a habit. “Tom Selleck, I call him Dad. At first, he was kind of a little thrown by it for the first season or two; he’d be like, ‘Oh, hey, Donnie.’ Now it’s like, we’ve gotten so close. He’s literally like, ‘Oh, hey, son, how are you doing today?’”
This real-life connection added depth to their on-screen relationship, as fans of Blue Bloods saw their genuine chemistry reflected in the portrayal of Frank and Danny Reagan. Wahlberg’s admiration for Selleck and the respect Selleck has for Wahlberg has been a defining feature of their work together. The two actors evolved from co-stars to a familial-like bond, enhancing their performances and bringing authenticity to their characters’ interactions.
The Impact of Blue Bloods’ Final Family Dinner
Another especially poignant moment on set was the filming of the final family dinner scene. These scenes have become a hallmark of Blue Bloods, symbolizing the Reagan family’s unity and commitment to one another, despite the challenges they face. Wahlberg admitted that filming the last family dinner was “probably the single most emotional day on the Blue Bloods set in the history of the entire show.”
In each episode, the Reagans gather for Sunday dinner, sharing stories, debating ethics, and reinforcing the values that bind them. This tradition not only became a cornerstone of the show but also resonated with audiences who valued the warmth, support, and honesty of these family discussions. For the cast, these scenes were an opportunity to come together as a unit, blurring the lines between their roles and real-life friendships.
Reflecting on 14 Seasons of Blue Bloods
Premiering in 2010, Blue Bloods has become one of CBS’s most beloved shows, largely because of its unique family dynamic paired with the drama of a police procedural. While much of the plot revolves around the Reagans’ careers in law enforcement, the emotional core of the show has always been their deep familial bond. Through the years, fans have witnessed the Reagan family grow, face challenges, and rely on each other, all while upholding their commitment to justice and public service.
For Wahlberg, the end of Blue Bloods marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in his life, but he remains grateful for the experience. He expressed how difficult it will be to part ways with his castmates and crew, who have become like a second family. “It’s like we’ve just become a real family,” Wahlberg shared. “And it’s going to be a lot to not be with [them] anymore, but I’m sure we’ll stay connected after the cameras aren’t rolling.”
Tom Selleck’s Legacy on the Blue Bloods Set
As a veteran of television himself, Selleck’s presence brought a level of wisdom and stability to the Blue Bloods set. His experience, professionalism, and dedication set the tone for his fellow cast members, many of whom looked up to him as a mentor. His iconic roles, both as Frank Reagan and earlier as Magnum P.I., have cemented his status as one of television’s enduring figures.
Selleck’s decision to be present on the last day, even in scenes where he wasn’t actively participating, underscores his connection to the Blue Bloods family. That day, he was not just Commissioner Reagan, but a supportive friend, a role model, and, in Wahlberg’s words, a “dad” to his castmates. His role as the emotional anchor of the show parallels his real-life influence on the cast and crew, leaving a lasting legacy.
Saying Goodbye to Blue Bloods
As Blue Bloods concludes, the cast and crew are left with a bittersweet mix of emotions. For Wahlberg and others, the show represents over a decade of shared memories, personal growth, and meaningful storytelling. The characters they played, and the family they created on screen, resonated with viewers around the world, creating a lasting impact.
Reflecting on his final moments with Selleck and the rest of the cast, Wahlberg’s words capture the essence of the Blue Bloods journey: gratitude, pride, and love. The series has given him not only a career-defining role but also lifelong friendships and memories. As fans prepare to say goodbye to the Reagans, they, too, are reminded of the power of family, tradition, and resilience—qualities that Blue Bloods has championed since its beginning.
Though Blue Bloods may be ending, the spirit of the Reagan family, and the legacy that Selleck and Wahlberg helped build, will remain in the hearts of its devoted fans. As Wahlberg shared, the bond between him and Selleck, along with the entire cast, will endure beyond the show, a testament to the lasting impact of the family they created on screen.
