When it comes to police procedural dramas, few series have captured the hearts and minds of viewers quite like Blue Bloods. Since its debut on CBS in 2010, the show has charted the lives and careers of the Reagan family, a clan deeply interwoven with New York City’s law enforcement. The multifaceted show balances gripping crime investigations with rich personal narratives, emphasizing themes of loyalty, duty, and family – all set against the stark, kinetic backdrop of New York City.
Examining the standout qualities and pivotal developments in each season reveals why Blue Bloods is a staple for so many viewers.
Blue Bloods – Season 1
The first season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 24, 2010, and contains 22 episodes. This season introduces viewers to the Reagan family, all of whom are involved in police work and law.
Unforgettable episodes include “Pilot,” “After Hours,” and “The Blue Templar.”
Memorable Moments:
- Frank, Danny, and the NYPD search for a bomb.
- Sophia is poisoned.
- Frank gets the jump on some dirty cops.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This foundational season introduces viewers to the Reagan family, all involved in law enforcement. It lays the groundwork for the series’ key themes of loyalty and justice while featuring gripping plotlines such as a bomb hunt in New York and the takedown of dirty cops. This season’s ability to combine family dynamics with intense police work makes it a crucial starting point for the series.
Blue Bloods – Season 8
The eighth season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 29, 2017, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds Frank butting heads with a new government official, Acting Mayor Margaret Dutton.
Unforgettable episodes include “”Cutting Losses,” “Common Ground,” and “The Brave.”
Memorable Moments:
- Anthony gets shot.
- Lugo saves Danny from an explosion.
- Jamie introduces Eddie to his family.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season stands out due to Frank’s confrontations with Acting Mayor Margaret Dutton, reflecting the political undercurrents in their roles. The dramatic tension of Anthony getting shot and Jamie introducing Eddie to his family further enriches the season, showcasing the intricate balance of professional responsibilities and personal relationships within the Reagan family.
Blue Bloods – Season 3
The third season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 28, 2012, and contains 23 episodes. This season finds Danny working with a new partner.
Unforgettable episodes include “Family Business,” “Greener Grass,” and “This Way Out.”
Memorable Moments:
- Mayor Poole is shot.
- Frank cleans up the Bitterman Projects.
- Erin is named deputy trial bureau chief.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season brings significant developments like Danny adjusting to a new partner and Erin’s promotion. Highlighting events such as the shooting of Mayor Poole and Frank’s efforts to clean up corruption in a housing project, it stands out for exploring transitions and challenges within both the Reagan family and the larger community they serve.
Blue Bloods – Season 5
The fifth season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 26, 2014, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds Danny working to convict a national felon while Erin works a retrial.
Unforgettable episodes include “Partners,” “Excessive Force,” and “The Art of War.”
Memorable Moments:
- Hector gets shot and killed.
- Frank arrests the Warrior King’s Leader.
- Linda is shot.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season draws attention for Danny’s efforts to convict a national felon and Erin’s challenging retrial, enhancing the dramatic stakes. Coupled with high-tension scenarios like Linda being shot and Frank arresting a gang leader, it stands out for its blend of personal danger and professional duty, portraying the high risks the Reagans face in their line of work.
Blue Bloods – Season 6
The sixth season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 25, 2015, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds the Reagan family going up against corrupt cops and the mob.
Unforgettable episodes include “Absolute Power,” “Back in the Day,” and “Fresh Start.”
Memorable Moments:
- Danny searches for escaped convicts.
- Nicky gets arrested.
- A serial killer threatens Danny’s family.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
Season 6 is marked by the Reagan family’s confrontation with corrupt cops and the mob, diving into complex moral territories. With Danny pursuing escaped convicts and dealing with a serial killer threatening his family, this season uniquely explores the interplay between personal and professional pressures, showcasing the Reagans’ resilience and integrity.
Blue Bloods – Season 4
The fourth season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 27, 2013, and contains 23 episodes. This season finds the Reagan family dealing with drugs, kidnappings, and murder cases.
Unforgettable episodes include “Unwritten Rules,” “Lost and Found,” and “Exiles.”
Memorable Moments:
- Detective Steve Tomlin is killed under mysterious circumstances.
- Danny has a complaint filed against him.
- Inspector Peterson and Frank get close.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season is marked by its exploration of severe crimes, including drug deals, kidnappings, and murder cases. The death of detective Steve Tomlin and the complexities of internal conflicts like Danny facing a complaint elevate the narrative, emphasizing the gritty and morally complex side of law enforcement that the Reagan family navigates.
Blue Bloods – Season 2
The second season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 23, 2011, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds Frank working with a new mayor as Danny deals with the pressures of his job.
Unforgettable episodes include “Mercy,” “Lonely Hearts Club,” and “Mother’s Day.”
Memorable Moments:
- Danny investigates a cold case.
- Frank puts Jamie under house arrest.
- Franks tries to stop a biological weapon.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
Season 2 delves deeper into the professional and personal lives of the Reagans, featuring Frank’s collaboration with a new mayor and Danny’s escalating job pressures. The season’s focus on significant investigations, like stopping a biological weapon threat and Danny handling a cold case, underscores the high-stakes nature of their roles while enriching character development.
Blue Bloods – Season 11
The 11th season of Blue Bloods premiered on December 4, 2020, and contains 16 episodes. This season finds Frank considering resignation and trying to protect his rank and file from accusations of police brutality.
Unforgettable episodes include “Happy Endings,” “Spilling Secrets,” and “Triumph Over Trauma.”
Memorable Moments:
- Flores is investigated by IAB.
- An incident inspires Baker to seriously consider returning to field work.
- Frank and City Council Speaker Regina Thomas clash over recent protests against police brutality.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season dives into intense professional and personal turmoil as Frank grapples with possible resignation and allegations of police brutality. The internal investigation against Flores and Baker’s contemplation of returning to fieldwork are remarkable, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the NYPD. The season uniquely tackles contemporary issues like police-community relations, enriching the narrative with modern dilemmas.
Blue Bloods – Season 12
The 12th season of Blue Bloods premiered on October 1, 2021. This season finds the question of Frank’s retirement hanging over everyone’s head.
Unforgettable episodes included “Times Like These,” “Good Intentions,” and “Reality Check.”
Memorable Moments:
- Frank makes a controversial public arrest.
- Frank assigns Jamie to guard his brother Danny.
- Eddie and Jamie face marital tension.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
This season captures the intense pressures faced by the Reagan family, especially with Frank’s controversial public arrest going viral and escalating tensions with Mayor Chase. The dynamics of family protection and professional duty are amplified as Jamie is assigned to guard Danny amid a cartel hit threat. These complex scenarios weave a narrative that delves deeply into the challenges of balancing personal loyalty and public service, making it a particularly poignant season.
Blue Bloods – Season 7
The seventh season of Blue Bloods premiered on September 23, 2016, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds Danny facing new evidence against him in the self-defense shooting case of serial killer.
Unforgettable episodes include “Good Cop Bad Cop,” “Mob Rules,” and “Genetics.”
Memorable Moments:
- A witness in Danny’s case is killed.
- Erin helps Jamie and Eddie with a case.
- Mayor Poole makes an accusation against Frank.
Why It’s A Standout Season:
Marked by Danny facing new evidence in a past shooting case and a witness’s death, Season 7 intensifies its portrayal of legal and moral conflicts. Erin’s assistance to Jamie and Eddie, and Mayor Poole’s accusations against Frank add layers of complexity to the Reagan family’s intertwined personal and professional spheres. The season stands out for its dramatic tension and exploration of justice and accountability.
