As Blue Bloods gears up for its final season this December after 14 successful years, there’s good news for fans: CBS is looking to extend its hit franchise with potential spin-offs and prequels, especially for its Paramount+ platform. With the network exploring new ways to build on the success of its beloved series, Blue Bloods seems poised to live on through new storylines. So, what direction should the show take? Personally, I think the answer lies in the dynamic relationship between two key characters: Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) and Joe Hill (Will Hochman).
Jamie and Joe: A Compelling Duo
Joe Hill, introduced in Season 10’s “Family Secrets,” is the long-lost son of the late Joseph Reagan—Frank’s (Tom Selleck) older brother, who died before the events of the first season. Raised by his mother, Paula Hill (Bonnie Somerville), Joe was unaware of his father’s family connections until later in life. As an established NYPD detective, Joe’s arrival in the Reagan family was marked by his internal struggle to find his place within the prestigious family legacy while also forging his own path.
Over the seasons, Joe’s relationship with his uncle Jamie has evolved from one of conflict to camaraderie. In Season 14, Episode 9, “Two of a Kind,” their differences erupted into a bar fight, forcing Frank to pair them up on patrol as partners to settle their issues. This pairing sparked growth, as the two eventually bonded and became closer. The turning point came in Season 14, Episode 13, “Life Sentence,” when Jamie, after a personal crisis involving his prized 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, decides to pass the car on to Joe, symbolizing his acceptance and love for him. This gesture was especially poignant since the car once belonged to Jamie’s father and had deep sentimental value for both men.
The moment marked a significant step in their emotional journey together and solidified their connection, signaling the strength of their bond. It also highlighted how, over time, Jamie and Joe have come to resemble brothers more than uncle and nephew. With Jamie being the youngest Reagan sibling and closest in age to Joe, they’ve often found themselves in heated situations due to their similar personalities—both are strong-willed and passionate.
Why a Jamie and Joe Spin-Off Could Work
The evolving relationship between Jamie and Joe is one of the most interesting dynamics in Blue Bloods. While Jamie’s connection to Joe’s late father has always been a source of emotional weight, Jamie’s own struggles with family expectations and his path to becoming a cop add depth to his character. Joe, in turn, navigates the complexities of living up to his Reagan heritage while carving out his identity. Their shared history, passions, and occasional conflicts make them a natural duo, with their relationship developing into a foundation strong enough to carry its own show.
Jamie’s earlier revelation in “Life Sentence” that it was Joe who encouraged him to pursue a career in law enforcement instead of law speaks to the deep bond they’ve formed. Despite the differences that led to their conflict, Jamie’s eventual donation of the car to Joe was an emotional closure of sorts, with the prized vehicle serving as a symbol of both their family legacy and their growing relationship.
Given the unique emotional and dramatic potential of their interactions, a spin-off focusing on Jamie and Joe—perhaps following their careers as partners in the NYPD—would offer a fresh and compelling narrative for Blue Bloods fans. Their bond, built on shared history, family ties, and personal growth, makes them an ideal pairing to continue the Reagan family legacy in a new, exciting direction.
