When Blue Bloods ended its 14-season run, fans mourned the loss of the Reagan family and all the characters they had grown to love—including Sean Reagan, played by Andrew Terraciano, who had been part of the show since childhood. So when CBS launched Boston Blue, the highly anticipated spinoff, and announced that the role of Sean would be recast, longtime viewers were stunned.
Now, for the first time, Andrew Terraciano is sharing the emotional, surprisingly bittersweet story of the day he learned the news. And it happened at a milestone moment he’ll never forget: his graduation day.
A Day Meant for Celebration Takes an Unexpected Turn
For Andrew Terraciano, graduation day was supposed to be a moment of joy, relief, and celebration—a closing chapter on his years of study and the beginning of a fresh adult chapter. But as he explains, the day took on a strange emotional twist when he received an unexpected call from his agent.
“I remember holding my cap and gown, lining up with everyone, and suddenly getting this message that CBS had made a decision,” Terraciano recalled. “That’s when I first heard that Boston Blue was moving forward… and that they were recasting Sean.”
He said he froze, needing a moment to process what he had just learned.
“It was surreal. I grew up playing Sean. I was 6 years old when I started. So hearing that someone else would be stepping into his shoes—that felt… weird. I didn’t feel angry. Just… emotional.”
Why Boston Blue Needed a Recast
Showrunners for Boston Blue have said openly that the recast was not a decision made lightly. The spinoff ages Sean Reagan up, giving him a central, more action-oriented role within Boston law enforcement—something that required an actor physically and narratively aligned with the new direction.
The producers reportedly wanted a fresh slate that allowed the character to be reimagined, expanded, and, in their words, “rebuilt for a different world.”
Andrew Terraciano admitted he understood the reasoning.
“I get it. This is a new show, a new tone, a new version of Sean. It needed something different. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting at first.”
Andrew’s First Reaction: ‘It Felt Like Losing a Part of My Childhood’
When asked how he truly felt in that moment, Terraciano didn’t hold back.
“It felt like losing a part of my childhood, because Sean wasn’t just a character to me—he was a huge chunk of my life. Most people graduate high school or college and look back at photos. I looked back at entire seasons of television.”
He said the timing made it even more emotional.
“I was already feeling nostalgic about leaving school. Then—boom—I find out I’m also ‘leaving’ Sean. It was a lot at once.”
The Call He’ll Never Forget
Terraciano said his agent was gentle when breaking the news.
“She told me, ‘Andrew, they love you. This is about the show’s direction, not your performance.’ And that helped. But I still walked into my ceremony with all those emotions swirling.”
He went onstage, received his diploma, and returned home to dozens of messages from fans who had no idea what he was processing in private.
“I kept thinking, if only they knew what today meant.”
Fans React: Heartbreak and Confusion
When Boston Blue officially announced the recast several months later, fan reactions ranged from confused to upset.
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“Sean Reagan IS Andrew Terraciano,” one viewer wrote.
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“No one can replace him—why would they do this?” another commented.
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“I’ll give the show a chance, but this feels personal,” a longtime fan added.
Terraciano said he felt overwhelmed by the support.
“That’s the part that still gets me. Seeing people defend me, say I should’ve stayed—those messages meant everything.”
Andrew Terraciano Supports the New Sean Reagan
Despite mixed reactions online, Terraciano is taking the high road. He said he has nothing but goodwill toward the new actor taking over his former role.
“I genuinely hope fans give him a chance. He’s stepping into something big. I know what that pressure feels like.”
He added that he’s excited to see how Boston Blue expands the Reagan universe.
“It’s cool that the Reagans live on in this new story. Even if I’m not in it, Sean is still out there, still part of the world.”
Would He Ever Return? Andrew Answers the Question Fans Keep Asking
Fans have begged to know whether Andrew might someday return in a cameo or alternate version of Sean. His answer? Surprisingly hopeful.
“Look—never say never. If they ever wanted to do a flashback, or a multiverse special, or a reunion, I would absolutely be open to it. I love Sean. I always will.”
Show insiders have hinted that Boston Blue may explore Reagan family history in later seasons, leaving the door open for a potential appearance.
“That would be fun,” Andrew said with a smile. “I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
A Bittersweet Ending, A New Beginning
Today, Andrew Terraciano is focusing on new opportunities—both inside and outside the entertainment industry. He says he’s grateful for every year he spent on Blue Bloods, and even the recast news delivered on such a monumental day has become part of his personal journey.
“In a strange way, it was poetic. Graduation is about moving forward, and so was this. Sean is moving into a new chapter, and so am I.”
He added one last thought for the fans:
“Thank you for caring about Sean—and about me. It means more than I can say.”
