I’m saddened to share the news that the beloved CBS drama “Blue Bloods” is coming to an end after 14 successful seasons. But the real story here is the emotional farewell of the show’s lead actor, Tom Selleck, who has portrayed the role of NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan since the series’ inception.
Tears on Set
According to Selleck’s co-star Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Detective Danny Reagan, the final days of filming “Blue Bloods” were an emotional rollercoaster. Wahlberg revealed that Selleck, 79, was visibly moved to tears while watching the last scenes being shot.
“He is extremely tall and is observing from the back corner, his eyes wet with tears.” It just was like the waterworks turned on,” Wahlberg recalled during an interview on Sirius XM’s “Andy Cohen Live.” “I could literally cry just thinking about it.”
A Close-Knit Cast
Wahlberg went on to share insights into the close-knit relationship between the cast members, stating that he and Selleck have “real conversations” and “work” well together. The actor emphasized that there was no “petty jealousy” among the ensemble, a rarity in the world of television.
“I don’t show up and go, ‘Tell me what to do, Tom,'” Wahlberg said. “We have a back and forth… There is a process, and he respects me for what I do and what I bring to the table, just as I do him.
A frustrating ending
While the cast may have been saddened by the show’s conclusion, Selleck himself has been very outspoken about his frustration with the decision to end “Blue Bloods.” In a recent interview with TV Insider, the actor expressed his disappointment, stating that the show was “always taken for granted” despite its consistent performance and popularity.
“I’m kind of frustrated. Over the past eight shows, Selleck has refrained from discussing Blue Bloods’ ending, instead focusing on its continued wildly successful nature. “If you discount the three football shows, we rank No. 6 in the Top 100 Shows of 2023-2024 (in total viewers).
Reflecting on the Legacy
Despite his frustration, Selleck acknowledged that he wouldn’t hold any grudges about the situation. Instead, he reflected on the show’s legacy and the close-knit nature of the cast, which he believes is something for the entire team to be proud of.
“The actors. The relationship between the actors and the characters they portray is as close as that of the Reagan family, according to Selleck. “There’s not a single one of them who didn’t want to come back. Most shows don’t end like that—there’s petty jealousy and all sorts of things—but we seem to have overcome that. Everyone can take pride in it.
The Future of Broadcast Television
Selleck also expressed hope for broadcast television, saying it has “suffered from being put in second or third place” and that not everyone wants to “spend an hour on their remote control looking for what they might want to see.”
As for Selleck’s future plans, the actor revealed that he hopes to continue working to “hold onto” his 63-acre ranch in California, acknowledging that his financial stability is dependent on his continued employment.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The end of “Blue Bloods” marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in Tom Selleck’s illustrious career. While the actor and his co-stars are saddened by the show’s cancellation, the emotional farewell and the close-knit nature of the cast serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved series. Fans can find comfort in the knowledge that “Blue Bloods” will continue to have an impact long after the final credits have rolled.
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