Blue Bloods Season 14 Had Stronger Ratings Than Its Timeslot Replacement, New Report Highlights

A new report underlines that Blue Bloods season 14 drew stronger ratings than the show that will replace it in the timeslot. After a run that lasted for well over a decade, with a total of 293 episodes, Blue Bloods season 14 signed off in December. The police procedural’s last run has proven to be a lightning rod, not for any particular storyline decision, but more so for the fact that CBS decided to end the popular drama despite its consistently strong performance with viewers.

TVLine looked at the top-rated shows on broadcast television midway through the 2024-2025 TV season. Blue Bloods season 14 came in sixth, emerging as the broadcast’s fourth most-watched drama. Including the Live+7 numbers, which account for ratings across seven days, season 14 drew an average of 7.9 million viewers. The final season drew 0.46 in the key 18-49 demographic. Overall, it ranks sixth among all the shows (scripted and reality) aired by CBS.

As for S.W.A.T. season 8, which will take over the former Blue Bloods 10 PM ET timeslot when it returns on Friday, January 31, it comes in at #16 of all the programs aired by CBS. It drew an average of 5.6 million viewers, accounting for Live+7, and 0.47 in the key demographic. The list was topped by Tracker season 2, which is the most-watched scripted series on broadcast TV, followed by Kathy Bates’ Matlock reboot. The third program was the long-running news program 60 Minutes.

What The Ratings Difference Means For Blue Bloods

The Show’s End Follows A Trend

According to reporting, season 14 was in doubt initially. But the series was able to move forward and get some semblance of closure when the Blue Bloods cast and producers agreed to a reduction in salary that would keep the show’s large crew employed and help give the series a proper send-off. The situation speaks to the fact that series cost more as they age, due to pay increases for the actors and crew.

Because of shifting viewership habits and a decline in advertising revenue, network and studios have been looking for ways to reduce costs. In many cases, that has meant giving up on veteran shows even in cases where the ratings are strong. Young Sheldon (CBS), The Good Doctor (ABC), and 9-1-1: Lone Star (FOX) are among the hits that have ended or will soon end, partly because of the approach of lowering costs.

Each case is different. Young Sheldon‘s creators have said, for instance, that the series reached a natural end. But at the same time, the comedy’s actors have expressed their surprise that such a successful series is not getting the chance to continue further. S.W.A.T. is no different, having been cancelled twice. It was brought back after discussions on reducing the budget, which has meant the exit of important main cast members and new cast additions. As of this writing, S.W.A.T. season 9 is not confirmed.

Our Take On Blue Bloods Ending With Season 14

There could have been a universe where Blue Bloods season 15 happened. But like S.W.A.T., it might have featured big exits in the cast and changes to the central dynamic. It might be a blessing, in a way, that the CBS series was able to say goodbye with the Reagan family all together and gathered around a dinner table.