Tom Selleck has had a significant chapter of his career come to a close with the end of Blue Bloods, the police drama where he played Commissioner Frank Reagan. After an impressive 14 years, CBS announced that the show would conclude this fall, leaving Selleck and the cast to reflect on its legacy. In a candid interview with TV Insider, Selleck shared his frustrations and emotions regarding the end of the beloved series.
Frustration with CBS’s Decision
Selleck openly expressed his frustration with the network’s decision to cancel the show, despite its continued success. “I’m kind of frustrated,” he admitted, pointing to the show’s impressive ranking on the network’s list of the Top 100 Shows for 2023-2024. The series ranked 9th overall in terms of total viewers, and 6th when excluding football-related programming. He questioned why a show that consistently dominated Friday nights for 15 years, pulling in loyal viewers week after week, would be taken off the air.
“I’ve felt all along that the show was taken for granted because it has always performed so well right from the start,” he remarked. Selleck acknowledged that while he wasn’t inclined to hold grudges, the cancellation left him wondering if the show’s consistent success warranted more appreciation from the network.
The Final Episode: Nostalgia and Closure
The process of filming the final episode was an emotional one for Selleck, especially since his last scene mirrored the first. “Fittingly, my last scene was a family dinner—the same as the first scene I filmed for the show 15 years ago,” he shared. This significant moment, though filled with nostalgia, marked the end of an era for both the character and the actor. As the scene depicted the Reagan family coming together, Selleck was reminded of the show’s core values—family, duty, and loyalty.
The realization that there would be no more filming left him contemplating the end of the routine he had come to rely on. “After the weekend of filming the final episode, I remember thinking, ‘I have to get to bed early because I have lines to learn for Monday.’ But then it hit me—there was no Monday to prepare for,” he said, signaling the emotional adjustment he would have to make after saying goodbye to the show.
A Strong Cast Bond
One of the aspects Selleck will miss the most is the camaraderie with his co-stars. He described the bond between the cast as being akin to the Reagan family on screen. “The bond we have is just like that of the Reagan family on the show, and everyone plays their part to perfection,” Selleck explained. The rare absence of rivalries or backstage drama made their relationships even more meaningful, something the entire cast takes pride in. This familial atmosphere extended beyond the on-screen portrayals of family life to the real-life connection the cast members shared.
The Legacy of Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods has been more than just a police procedural—it has explored the Reagan family’s complex relationships, their personal challenges, and their commitment to law enforcement. Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Frank Reagan, the patriarch, was central to the show, surrounded by his children who each held important roles within the NYPD. The family dinners, where they discussed cases, ethical dilemmas, and personal matters, became one of the show’s most beloved traditions.
As Blue Bloods comes to an end, the legacy of the Reagan family and their impact on viewers remains undeniable. For Tom Selleck, leaving the show after 14 years is bittersweet, but his contributions to the series will continue to be remembered by fans who tuned in for its blend of family drama and police action.
