After 14 seasons, Blue Bloods is coming to an end, and the cast is feeling the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a show that has become a staple of their lives and a beloved part of television for millions of fans. The CBS police procedural, which has followed the Reagan family—dedicated to law enforcement and public service in New York City—will air the second half of its 14th and final season starting October 18, 2024. As the cast gathered at PaleyFest 2024 in New York City to reflect on their time together, it became clear that this farewell is bittersweet.
For Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and Len Cariou, among others, Blue Bloods has been more than just a job—it has been a family. The iconic Reagan family dinners, heart-to-heart moments between police officers, and the ongoing challenges of balancing duty with personal life have all resonated with fans for more than a decade. Now, as they prepare for the final episodes, the cast is opening up about what they will miss the most, how they feel about the show’s conclusion, and the legacy they leave behind.
Tom Selleck on Letting Go: “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye”
For Tom Selleck, who has played NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan since the show’s debut in 2010, saying goodbye to Blue Bloods is particularly challenging. At 79 years old, Selleck has had a long and storied career, but Blue Bloods stands out as a major part of his professional life. During the PaleyFest panel, he reflected on what he’ll miss most: “I think the people. The people behind the scenes. Our writers, our crew members, the crew members you’re closest to, that you see every day. After 15 years, it’s hard. It’s hard to let go because coming to work was a joy.”
Selleck’s appreciation for the cast and crew was evident throughout the discussion. He spoke fondly of CBS’s decision to give the show an eight-episode finale, acknowledging the network’s desire to celebrate the show’s legacy. “We were only supposed to do 10 shows like everybody else on the 14th season,” Selleck explained, adding that the series’ strong performance—ranking as one of the top six broadcast shows—helped convince CBS to extend the final season. “CBS wanted to commemorate Blue Bloods’ legacy, and I just wanted to thank them for that.”
Selleck also touched on the unique bond that formed between the cast members, especially the sense of family that developed over the years. For him, working on Blue Bloods was more than just a job—it was a home.
Bridget Moynahan on Shared Life Experiences
Bridget Moynahan, who has portrayed Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan for 14 seasons, echoed Selleck’s sentiments about the sense of family that developed on set. Reflecting on the last decade and a half, Moynahan, 53, pointed out that many cast and crew members started working on the show from day one and remained with it until the very end. “We had crew members that started with us on the pilot who carried all the way to the last scene of the 14th, 15th season,” she said.
During that time, the cast experienced many major life events together—marriages, divorces, births, and deaths—all while working on a show that tackled serious issues in law enforcement and personal relationships. “We all grew with them,” Moynahan added. “We’ve done it together.” The experience of spending so much time with the same people over the years forged a bond that will be hard to replicate in future projects.
For Moynahan, Blue Bloods wasn’t just a job; it was a place where personal milestones and professional achievements were shared, making it difficult to move on from such a tightly-knit group.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Fond Memories of Every Moment
Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan, has always been a fan favorite for his high-energy performances and his close relationship with the rest of the Reagan family. Like Selleck and Moynahan, Wahlberg expressed deep gratitude for the time he spent on the show. But what sets Wahlberg apart is his palpable sense of joy in recounting the everyday moments on set.
“It will sound cliché, but every single moment,” Wahlberg said when asked what he’ll miss most about the show. He recounted how he and his co-star Marisa Ramirez (Detective Maria Baez) would laugh uncontrollably while driving to set, and how much he enjoyed greeting Selleck with a simple “Hi, Dad” and receiving a “Hey, son” in return.
Wahlberg’s connection to his castmates went beyond mere professionalism. He described his close friendship with Moynahan and the fun he shared with Vanessa Ray (Officer Eddie Janko) during their scenes together. “Everything about it was just a joy,” he said. The camaraderie between Wahlberg and the rest of the cast was clear, and the memories of those everyday moments will undoubtedly stay with him long after the show’s final episode airs.
Len Cariou’s Pride in the Show’s Legacy
For Len Cariou, who plays Frank Reagan’s father, Henry Reagan, the end of Blue Bloods represents the close of a remarkable chapter in his career. At 85 years old, Cariou has had a long and successful career, but Blue Bloods has been particularly special to him.
“I’ll miss every one of these people,” Cariou said simply. “It’s been a wonderful time for me … These people are really good at what they do. I’m proud to have been part of this thing. It’s a wonderful legacy.”
Cariou’s role as the Reagan family’s elder statesman has been a cornerstone of the show, offering wisdom and perspective to the younger members of the Reagan family. His pride in the work the cast and crew accomplished is clear, and like his co-stars, he will miss the daily interactions with the team that made the show such a success.
The Legacy of Blue Bloods
Since its premiere in 2010, Blue Bloods has captured the hearts of viewers with its blend of family drama, police procedural elements, and moral dilemmas. The show’s focus on the Reagan family’s personal and professional lives—particularly the challenges of working in law enforcement—has made it a standout among other TV dramas.
As the cast prepares to say goodbye to the show, they leave behind a legacy of powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and a sense of community both on and off the screen. The final episodes of Blue Bloods will undoubtedly be filled with emotional moments, not just for the characters but for the actors as well.
For fans, the final season marks the end of an era, but the show’s impact will live on in reruns, streaming services, and the hearts of the millions who tuned in every week to watch the Reagans gather for Sunday dinner.
As Selleck said, “It’s hard to let go,” but the legacy of Blue Bloods will endure for years to come.
