Blue Bloods EP Discusses the Series Future and Why the Finale Didn’t Create Spinoff Opportunities

Warning: This article contains light spoilers for the series finale of Blue Bloods.

The series finale of Blue Bloods, which aired on December 13, marked the end of a 14-season journey centered on the Reagan family, a lineage of law enforcement officers in New York City. The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom Selleck, Sami Gayle, Vanessa Ray, and Marisa Ramirez. Despite suggestions from some cast members about potential spinoffs, the finale left no clear hints for future storylines.

Insights from Kevin Wade on the Finale

In a recent conversation with Deadline, executive producer Kevin Wade discussed the closing chapter of the series. When prompted about spinoff possibilities, he emphasized that the show’s success was deeply rooted in the family dynamic, stating that the Reagans collectively drove the narrative. Wade noted that it would not be feasible to simply transport one character to a different location, creating a standalone spinoff, like Blue Bloods: New Orleans.

It’s a fine question… Look, Blue Bloods exist[s] not as a lead character. It exist[ed] as long as it did and if people liked it because of that family. That’s a lot of actors. Then going out from there, there’s Steve Schirripa and Marisa Ramirez and Greg Jbara, Bob Clohessy, Abigail Hawk; there were satellites that made the whole. You couldn’t just take one of them, place them in New Orleans and say, [that’s] Blue Bloods: New Orleans. So that was never an option. So in the ingredients in the kitchen for the finale, we didn’t try to do that, not purposefully or not one way or the other. Simply believe me, that just was not on the horizon when we were doing it.

Future Possibilities for Blue Bloods

Chances of a Spinoff

Erin and Jack Walking Together in Blue Bloods

Wade’s insights suggest that there are no immediate plans for a spinoff of Blue Bloods. If a new series were set to debut in the upcoming season, it likely would have already been confirmed. Given that the finale did not lay any groundwork for a spinoff, it seems improbable that we will see one in the next year or possibly even several years.

The time slot previously occupied by Blue Bloods is set to be taken over by S.W.A.T. season 8 starting January 31, 2025.

While Donnie Wahlberg has expressed personal interest in a continuation, it appears that the Reagans may not feature prominently in any future projects, if they occur at all. Wade implied that any potential next chapter would need to introduce a completely new family dynamic for viewers to invest in, similar to what they experienced with the Reagans.

Analysis of Kevin Wade’s Perspective

Recognizing the Show’s Core Appeal

Jamie sitting at the table while The Reagans have dinner in Blue Bloods

While Wade’s remarks may dampen hopes for spinoffs, they are rooted in an understanding of what made Blue Bloods resonate with its audience. The strength of the Reagan family bond has sustained viewer engagement across 14 seasons. Removing any central character from this ensemble would likely deteriorate the essence of the series, making it challenging to launch a successful spinoff.

For further insights, please refer to the full interview by Deadline.