As Blue Bloods draws to a close after an impressive 14-season run, it’s hard to imagine CBS without Tom Selleck. For over a decade, Selleck has graced our screens as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, embodying the values of leadership, justice, and family. Now that the end of Blue Bloods is in sight, fans are left wondering: what’s next for Selleck? If CBS knows what’s good for them, they’ll keep this television icon around. One of the most exciting possibilities is the return of the Jesse Stone series — a franchise that’s been waiting in the wings for far too long.
The Perfect Time for Jesse Stone’s Comeback
Tom Selleck’s Jesse Stone films have always held a special place in the hearts of TV crime drama fans. Based on the novels by Robert B. Parker, the Jesse Stone series follows a former LAPD homicide detective who relocates to a small town in Massachusetts to become its police chief. The character of Jesse Stone is a fascinating blend of old-school detective work, personal demons, and quiet resilience. With nine movies already made, fans are clamoring for more — and Selleck has made it clear he’s ready to step back into the role.
Selleck has expressed his desire to revive the Jesse Stone series, even as Blue Bloods was still airing. In a May 2024 interview with Parade, he stated, “If Blue Bloods doesn’t [get uncanceled], there is room for a Jesse Stone because I’ve written them, as you know. I love Jesse. And he’d be different. He’s older. It’s been a while since the last one. That’s a fun thing to deal with.” With Blue Bloods now officially winding down, the time is ripe for CBS to greenlight another installment — or better yet, a whole new series — starring Selleck as the beloved Jesse Stone.
Why Jesse Stone Still Resonates
The Jesse Stone films have consistently performed well, drawing in older audiences who appreciate the slower, more introspective pacing of the crime dramas. Unlike many high-octane, fast-paced procedural dramas, Jesse Stone has always been about the quiet moments in between the action. The character of Jesse Stone is contemplative, dealing not only with the challenges of policing but also with his own personal struggles, including alcoholism and the isolation of small-town life.
Selleck’s portrayal of Jesse Stone has always been nuanced and authentic, making the character feel real and relatable. This is a man who isn’t perfect, who is haunted by his past, but who remains deeply committed to seeking justice. His age and experience add a layer of gravitas to the character that sets him apart from younger, more impulsive TV detectives. In many ways, Jesse Stone represents the anti-hero cop — one who does his best but is always aware of his own flaws.
The Jesse Stone series has a timeless appeal that speaks to fans of traditional crime dramas, particularly those who miss the days when TV movies were a more common format. With the rise of streaming platforms, there’s been a resurgence of interest in series that allow for deeper character exploration, much like Jesse Stone does. Now would be the perfect time for CBS, or any other network, to capitalize on this renewed interest by bringing back Jesse Stone in either a continuation of the films or a full-fledged TV series.
Hallmark’s Role in the Jesse Stone Franchise
One obstacle that CBS may face in reviving Jesse Stone is that they no longer hold the exclusive rights to the franchise. While the first eight films were made in partnership with CBS, the ninth installment, Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise (2015), aired on the Hallmark Channel. Hallmark stepped in at the time because of how well the Jesse Stone reruns performed on their network, even securing the rights to produce two more films. However, only one has been made so far, leaving one potential film still contracted to Hallmark.
What remains unclear is whether Hallmark’s rights to the Jesse Stone franchise have expired or if they’re still interested in producing another movie. Given Hallmark’s shift toward more lighthearted content like their beloved holiday films, there’s a chance they may no longer be prioritizing Jesse Stone. If that’s the case, CBS (or even a streaming platform like Paramount+) could potentially step back in and take over the franchise, bringing Selleck’s vision for an older, more seasoned Jesse Stone to life.
Selleck’s Post-Blue Bloods Career: Why Jesse Stone Is the Right Fit
There’s no question that Tom Selleck is a television legend. From his early days as the suave private investigator in Magnum, P.I., to his portrayal of the stoic but warm-hearted Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods, Selleck has made a career out of playing lawmen with integrity and grit. With Blue Bloods ending, it’s only natural for fans and industry insiders to wonder what’s next for the actor.
Selleck has made it clear that he’s not ready to retire just yet. “I love working,” he’s said in interviews. “I love acting, and I don’t want to stop.” His passion for the craft, combined with his deep connection to the Jesse Stone character, makes the return of Jesse Stone a no-brainer. Unlike many actors in long-running TV roles, Selleck seems eager to embrace new challenges, and revisiting Jesse Stone as an older, more reflective character would give him the perfect opportunity to do so.
In many ways, Jesse Stone could serve as a fitting capstone to Selleck’s illustrious career. The character allows for deep, emotional storytelling, with plenty of room for exploring themes of aging, regret, and redemption. These are themes that resonate with both Selleck and his audience, making Jesse Stone an ideal role for this stage in his career.
CBS, Don’t Miss This Opportunity
The conclusion of Blue Bloods marks the end of an era for CBS, but it doesn’t have to be the end of Tom Selleck’s relationship with the network. With Selleck’s clear desire to return to the Jesse Stone franchise and the built-in fanbase that’s still hungry for more, CBS has a golden opportunity to keep one of its biggest stars in the spotlight.
Whether it’s through another made-for-TV movie or a new series, Jesse Stone deserves a proper revival — and Tom Selleck deserves the chance to continue playing the character he loves. If CBS doesn’t jump at the chance to make more Jesse Stone films, there’s no doubt that another network or streaming service will. Either way, fans of Tom Selleck and Jesse Stone have reason to hope that the best is yet to come.
