After a remarkable 14-year run as Henry Reagan on CBS’s Blue Bloods, veteran actor Len Cariou is turning the page. At 85 years old, the beloved performer is proving that he’s not ready to step out of the spotlight—even as the show that brought him into millions of living rooms ended its journey in 2024.
From the very first episode in 2010 to the final season, Cariou was a steady presence as the Reagan family’s moral compass. His portrayal of the wise and occasionally stubborn former police commissioner earned the admiration of viewers and critics alike.
A New Chapter: American Classic
Now, Cariou is embarking on a fresh venture: joining the cast of American Classic, an eight-part comedy series from MGM+. The project offers a notable departure from the heavy drama of Blue Bloods, bringing him into a theatrical, character-rich story that taps into his stage roots.
He’ll star alongside screen veterans Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney. The plot follows a Broadway star who returns home only to find that his brother has transformed their family-run theater into a dinner theater. Cariou plays the family patriarch—a puppet maker, actor, and founder of the Millersburg Festival Theater.
A Role Passed On With Grace
Cariou’s involvement comes following the death of actor Harris Yulin, who was originally set to play the role. Yulin passed away in June at the age of 87, and Cariou stepped in to carry the torch. The series is expected to begin filming in New Jersey in 2025, though a release date has yet to be confirmed.
Shockwaves from a Sudden Cancellation
This career move comes in the wake of Blue Bloods’ unexpected and, for many, inexplicable cancellation. After 14 successful seasons and consistently strong ratings, the series was pulled by CBS, a decision that sent ripples of disappointment through its cast and fanbase.
“It’s too bad. Doesn’t make any sense,” Cariou shared in an interview with TV Insider. “We’re still, I think, the best-watched show on Friday nights, even though we’re canceled.”
Cast Reactions: Disbelief and Frustration
Cariou wasn’t the only one stunned by the news. Bridget Moynahan, who played Erin Reagan, voiced similar confusion. “I mean, we have incredible ratings… and there’s a loyal fanbase that would make the time on a Friday night to sit down and watch it, or make time over the weekend,” she told TVLine Spotlight.
Moynahan also highlighted the show’s relevance to younger audiences and the rarity of its moral storytelling in today’s television landscape. “There’s a younger generation coming in and appreciating the great stories, but also the good values,” she said. “You’re hard pressed to find those values in stories on television right now.”
Tom Selleck: “I’m Kind of Frustrated”
Tom Selleck, who led the cast as Frank Reagan for all 14 seasons, was equally vocal about his dismay. In a candid conversation with TV Insider, he explained: “During those last eight shows, I haven’t wanted to talk about an ending for Blue Bloods but about it still being wildly successful.”
While making it clear he wasn’t bitter, Selleck couldn’t hide his disappointment. “If you were to say to the television network, ‘Here’s a show you can program in the worst time slot you got, and it is going to guarantee you winning Friday night for the next 15 years,’ it would be almost impossible to believe.”
A Glimmer of Hope: Boston Blue
Though the curtain has officially closed on Blue Bloods, the story isn’t quite over. Rising from the shadow of its predecessor is Boston Blue, a new spinoff series currently in production that promises to carry forward the heart and spirit of the original while forging its own unique path. At the center of this fresh narrative is Donnie Wahlberg, reprising his role as Danny Reagan—the passionate, relentless detective who now finds himself starting over in unfamiliar territory.
In this new chapter, Danny is no longer patrolling the streets of New York City. Instead, he’s navigating a different rhythm, a new city, and a world where he’s no longer surrounded by the familiar anchors of family and tradition. With him on this journey is Sonequa Martin-Green, who joins the cast as Lena Silver, Danny’s new partner. Their dynamic promises to be a compelling one—marked by contrast, discovery, and the challenge of building trust in uncharted ground.
Wahlberg, speaking to Parade, offered insight into what fans can expect from the reboot. “I’ll just say, the journey of developing this show, it’s really fun letting Danny be a fish out of water to be in this new world,” he shared. “It’s also important to remember where he comes from and what the Blue Bloods legacy is. We’re keeping all of that at the forefront of our thoughts as we build this thing.”
His words reflect a delicate balancing act: honoring the legacy of a show that meant so much to so many, while embracing the possibilities that come with a clean slate. Boston Blue doesn’t seek to replace what Blue Bloods was—it aims to evolve its themes, continue the lineage, and bring viewers along on a different, yet emotionally connected, ride.
A Legacy That Lives On
While the unexpected conclusion of Blue Bloods has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of its devoted viewers, the essence of the show—its deeply rooted family values, its quiet strength, and the unwavering integrity of its characters—continues to live on. That enduring spirit persists not only in the memories of countless Friday nights spent in the company of the Reagans, but also in the ongoing journeys of the actors who brought these beloved characters to life. For Len Cariou, who embodied the wisdom and gravitas of Henry Reagan for over a decade, stepping into a new role in American Classic is far more than a professional detour. It is a meaningful return to the theatrical world where his career first blossomed, a tribute to the timeless nature of performance, and a graceful way to carry forward the torch of a role once held by a fellow actor, the late Harris Yulin.
This new chapter signifies more than just the continuation of an esteemed career—it represents resilience, reinvention, and reverence. The stage upon which Blue Bloods played out may have dimmed its lights, but another stage now awaits, promising fresh narratives and renewed purpose. For Cariou and for the countless fans who have followed his work with admiration and affection—the show does not simply end. It evolves. It transforms. And in the most poetic of ways, it goes on.
