After 14 seasons, CBS’s beloved series Blue Bloods is coming to a close, leaving fans and the cast alike to say farewell to a show that has left an indelible mark on television. Premiering in 2010, Blue Bloods has become a cultural mainstay, blending police procedural elements with family drama. Tom Selleck, who has led the show as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan, recently opened up about what it was like to film the final scene with his castmates. He provided a heartfelt glimpse into the closing chapter of Blue Bloods, highlighting the bittersweet moment for the cast as they wrapped up the iconic family dinner scene.
A Full Circle Ending: The Final Family Dinner
The show has long centered around the Reagan family’s tradition of Sunday dinners, an event that often serves as a grounding moment in each episode. For viewers, these dinners have symbolized unity, strength, and love, even when the family disagrees or faces challenges. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Selleck shared how fitting it was that the final scene he filmed was, indeed, a family dinner—a poetic bookend to the very first scene he shot for Blue Bloods nearly 15 years ago. Reflecting on this symmetry, Selleck remarked:
“My last scene was, ironically, a family dinner; that was also the first scene I shot on the show 15 years ago! I’m not going to tell you everything about the last episode…but the family dinner kind of reunites the Reagan family.”
The presence of both Sami Gayle, who plays Erin Reagan’s daughter Nicky, and Tony Terraciano as Jack, Danny’s older son, completed the family circle, underscoring the sense of reunion and closure. Recognizing the emotional gravity of this moment, Selleck requested that the set be closed during filming to keep it an intimate experience for the cast, unimpeded by outside distractions.
A Poignant Farewell: Reading “Love Is Not All”
As they filmed the scene, Selleck chose to recite Love Is Not All, a moving poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay. This timeless poem reflects on the power of love in human life, a fitting tribute for the Reagan family, whose relationships with each other have been at the core of Blue Bloods. Selleck shared that this reading was something he had always wanted to do, a gesture that added an extra layer of significance to his character’s final moment on the show.
The experience left the cast emotional and reflective. According to Selleck, the final call of “That’s a wrap” led to a mix of tears and heartfelt embraces, with each cast member expressing their thoughts on the journey they’d shared. Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan, was particularly affected. Wahlberg’s character has been a fan favorite, known for his dedication to justice and his fierce loyalty to his family. His portrayal of Danny over the years has captured both his hard-nosed cop persona and the depth of his love for his family, making the moment of farewell particularly poignant for him.
“Donnie was really broken up; he didn’t say much. Bridget spoke. Just about everybody said something. Vanessa [Ray] was pretty beat up by the experience,” Selleck recounted.
What Fans Can Expect from the Finale
While the details of the finale remain under wraps, Selleck’s reflections suggest that it will be an emotional and meaningful conclusion to the Reagan family’s story. Leading up to the finale, audiences will see Frank Reagan maintaining his steady leadership as NYPD Commissioner while continuing the beloved Sunday family dinners with his father, Henry. Senior ADA Erin Reagan, portrayed by Bridget Moynahan, will play a crucial role in high-profile legal cases, bringing closure to her journey in the Manhattan trial bureau.
The finale’s emphasis on the family dinner reinforces the central theme of Blue Bloods: the importance of family, loyalty, and shared values. This theme has not only resonated with viewers for 14 seasons but has also become a source of comfort for the actors, who have found their own on-screen family in each other.
A Legacy of Family, Duty, and Dedication
Since its debut, Blue Bloods has tackled social issues and portrayed the complexities of being part of a law enforcement family. Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan has symbolized a steady moral compass, navigating challenging situations both within the NYPD and at home. The show’s balanced portrayal of police work, combined with intimate moments around the Reagan family dinner table, has made it more than just a procedural drama; it has been a window into the lives of those who serve the public while holding tight to their personal principles.
The commitment of the cast has mirrored that of their characters. Selleck’s leadership on set has been a driving force for the show, and Wahlberg’s portrayal of Danny—a cop who often operates in shades of gray but is fiercely dedicated to his family—has given the character depth and authenticity. Bridget Moynahan and Will Estes, as Erin and Jamie Reagan, have also contributed to the show’s success, creating complex, relatable characters who juggle public duties with personal lives.
Closing Thoughts and What’s Next
As Blue Bloods concludes, fans are left to savor the final episodes, knowing that each scene brings them closer to the end. The Reagan family’s journey has been one of commitment, respect, and love, and their story will remain a powerful testament to the enduring power of family.
While the series finale airs on December 13, fans can celebrate the legacy of Blue Bloods through a special airing on November 29 titled Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy, hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner. The special will offer behind-the-scenes moments, cast interviews, and a look back at some of the most memorable episodes, bringing fans even closer to the Reagan family’s legacy.
For longtime viewers, the finale promises a heartfelt farewell to characters who have become like family. As Tom Selleck and his fellow cast members prepare to say goodbye, they do so with gratitude and pride, knowing that they’ve contributed to a series that has touched millions and created a legacy of its own.
