The stars of Blue Bloods will appear in a retrospective special commemorating the show’s 14-season run. Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy will air after Thanksgiving and include an exclusive look into the Blue Bloods series finale, which will air on Friday, December 13 at 10/9c on CBS. This means that while, like usual, CBS won’t be airing new episodes on the Friday after Thanksgiving, you’ll still be able to get your fix of the Reagans that day. This one-hour special, on November 29 at 9/8c, will feature new exclusive interviews with the stars and recurring guest stars who share favorite memories and behind-the-scenes moments from the past 14 years, the network shares. The final season special is hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner and features archival interviews from the ET vault. It serves as a love letter to the loyal fans who had dinner with the Reagan family every Friday night and upheld Blue Bloods as one of the top series on television, CBS shares.
Viewers will get a rare inside look at the famous Reagan family dinner scene, where viewers learn family dinner secrets straight from the Reagans’ table. The special also reveals new details about the first time the cast had family dinner during the pilot when they were strangers, and how that transformed the series into the global phenomenon it is today. Fans will get first-hand knowledge from the cast about what it is like filming on the streets of New York City and get a sneak peek at the emotional finale prior to the series send-off.
Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy can be watched live on CBS and live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs. There are just four episodes left of Blue Bloods. The November 15 episode is titled “No Good Deed.” It’s an episode packed with drama for each of the Reagans.
The episode description reads: “Danny [Donnie Wahlberg] and his nephew Joe Hill (Will Hochman) investigate the homicide of a delivery driver who may have been connected to an illegal narcotics ring in the city. Also, Eddie [Vanessa Ray] is determined to save the job of a probationary police officer who may be fired for responding to a crime; Frank [Tom Selleck] faces a hard decision when he discovers Gormley [Robert Clohessy] is non-compliant with NYPD residency requirements; and Erin [Bridget Moynahan] clashes with her boss, D.A. Crawford [Roslyn Ruff], when a seemingly rehabilitated criminal from an old case becomes the subject of an armed robbery investigation.”
Fourteen years. Over 275 episodes. And one unforgettable TV family.
CBS is giving fans of Blue Bloods something truly special — a final heartfelt goodbye in the form of a one-hour tribute titled “Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy.” As the show wraps up its iconic run, this farewell special promises emotional interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and a touching reflection on one of TV’s most enduring police dramas.
So, what can fans expect from this upcoming event? Let’s dig into every detail about this legacy-defining moment.
What Is ‘Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy’?
This special is CBS’s official tribute to one of its longest-running and most beloved series. Slated to air Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the hour-long event will air right after the two-part series finale wraps up.
It’s more than just a clip show — it’s a deep dive into the family, the tradition, and the storytelling that made Blue Bloods a staple for over a decade.
Why CBS Is Doing a Farewell Special
Let’s be honest — you don’t just end a show like Blue Bloods without saying goodbye the right way.
CBS knows the Reagans aren’t just characters. To millions of fans, they’ve become part of their Friday nights and family traditions. This special honors that bond and gives viewers a final seat at the table.
What the Special Will Include
Here’s a quick rundown of what viewers can expect:
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Exclusive interviews with cast members like Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, and Len Cariou
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Never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage
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A look back at the most emotional, powerful, and iconic moments from the series
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Stories about how the cast bonded on and off screen
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A tribute to the late cast and crew who helped shape the show
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Reflections on what the Reagan legacy really means
When and Where to Watch the Special
Air Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 10 p.m. ET/PT
Where: CBS, with streaming available later on Paramount+
The Cast Reacts to the Final Season Farewell
Tom Selleck on Saying Goodbye
Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan) has often talked about how close he feels to the show’s message. In recent interviews, he said,
“It’s been more than just a job. It’s a family.”
Donnie Wahlberg’s Emotional Tribute
Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Danny Reagan, posted a tearful message to fans on social media after filming wrapped:
“It’s been a journey I’ll never forget. You made Friday nights feel like home.”
The Legacy of Blue Bloods on TV
A Rare Combination: Crime, Character & Tradition
While other crime procedurals focused on cases, Blue Bloods always emphasized family and values. Those Sunday dinners became just as iconic as the busts and arrests.
It Stood the Test of Time
Fourteen seasons is no small feat in today’s fast-paced TV landscape. It outlasted dozens of dramas and kept ratings strong even as trends shifted to streaming.
What Made Blue Bloods Special
The Power of the Reagan Family
Frank, Danny, Erin, Jamie, and Henry weren’t perfect — but they were real. Each brought a different perspective to justice, faith, and family.
Sunday Dinner as a Ritual
You always knew what to expect: justice served hot and dinner served even hotter. Those weekly scenes became comfort food for fans.
Honoring the Late Characters & Cast Members
The special will also include tributes to characters like Joe Reagan and Linda Reagan, and the crew who worked behind the scenes to bring every episode to life. It’s a nod to those who helped build the legacy but didn’t get to see the final curtain.
How the Final Episodes Tie Into the Special
The final two-part series finale, airing right before the special, will give fans a proper narrative send-off. “Celebrating a Family Legacy” then steps in to close the emotional loop with nostalgia, laughter, and likely a few tears.
Blue Bloods Spin-Off in the Works
Just because this chapter is closing doesn’t mean the book is done. CBS has confirmed a spinoff starring Donnie Wahlberg in development for 2025, possibly titled Boston Blue. Expect nods to the spinoff during the tribute special — maybe even a tease or two.
What Fans Are Saying
Fan reactions have ranged from heartfelt to devastated — and everything in between. One Reddit user shared:
“Blue Bloods has been my comfort show since 2010. I’m not ready for it to end.”
Others are planning viewing parties, rewatching old episodes, or creating tribute content on social media. It’s not just a TV show — it’s a piece of people’s lives.
Social Media Buzz Surrounding the Special
The hashtag #BlueBloodsFarewell started trending within hours of the announcement. Fans and stars alike are sharing memories, favorite scenes, and behind-the-scenes photos in anticipation.
CBS’s History With Legacy Specials
CBS has a long history of celebrating long-running shows with fanfare. From NCIS tributes to MASH* retrospectives, the network knows how to close a chapter the right way. Blue Bloods is next in line — and arguably one of the most deserving.
How to Rewatch the Series Before the Finale
Feeling nostalgic? You can stream all 14 seasons of Blue Bloods now on Paramount+. Binge your favorite Reagan storylines and relive those classic family dinners before the big send-off.
Tips for Hosting a Blue Bloods Viewing Party
Planning to watch the finale and special with friends or family? Here are a few fun ideas:
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Serve traditional Sunday dinner food — think roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple pie
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Wear blue in honor of the Reagan family’s service
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Print out trivia cards with facts from all 14 seasons
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Have tissues nearby — just in case
What Comes Next for the Cast?
Most cast members haven’t revealed next roles yet, but rumors are swirling:
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Donnie Wahlberg is attached to the spinoff
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Bridget Moynahan may focus on directing
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Tom Selleck has hinted at a possible memoir or behind-the-scenes book
Conclusion: A Farewell Fit for a Family Legacy
Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy is more than a special — it’s a proper goodbye to a show that gave us over a decade of memories. From nail-biting cases to heartfelt family moments, Blue Bloods brought something rare to TV: consistency, heart, and truth. As the Reagans take their final bow, we’re reminded why we kept tuning in.
Whether you’re a fan from day one or someone who caught the show in syndication, this farewell is for you. So gather around, turn on CBS, and say goodbye the way the Reagans would want — together.
