As one of television’s most beloved police procedural dramas, Blue Bloods has garnered a dedicated fan base over its long run. After 14 seasons, the show bids farewell with an emotional series finale that fans won’t soon forget. But what inspired this poignant goodbye?
In a recent interview, Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade opened up about how iconic series finales from television history shaped the show’s concluding episode. He revealed that he thought deeply about how the best finales left a lasting impact, making sure to create a meaningful and satisfying conclusion for the Reagan family. Here’s a look at the inspiration behind the Blue Bloods final episode and how it compares to other unforgettable TV finales.
1. Kevin Wade’s Inspiration for the Series Finale
Drawing from TV’s Most Iconic Finales
As the creator and head writer of Blue Bloods, Kevin Wade has always been aware of the weight that a series finale carries. In his interview, he revealed that when approaching the final episode of the show, he looked to some of the most memorable series finales for inspiration. He explained:
“I thought about it a lot. What are the finales that have had the biggest impact? What makes them resonate with audiences? It’s not just about wrapping up a storyline, it’s about leaving something behind that fans can remember for years to come.”
Wade acknowledged that the final episode had to reflect the core values of Blue Bloods—family, duty, and honor—while offering closure to the Reagan family’s journey. He wanted the finale to feel earned and genuine, rather than forced or overly dramatic.
2. Iconic TV Finales That Inspired ‘Blue Bloods’ Ending
The Influence of Other Legendary TV Shows
Wade’s comments about drawing inspiration from other series finales may have sparked curiosity about which shows influenced the final moments of Blue Bloods. Let’s take a look at a few legendary TV finales that may have impacted the creation of the Blue Bloods farewell:
1. ‘The Sopranos’ – Ambiguous Endings That Leave a Mark
One of the most talked-about finales in TV history is The Sopranos. Known for its ambiguous ending, where the final moments cut to black, the series finale has left audiences speculating and debating for years. Wade cited this finale as a key influence, noting that an ending doesn’t always need to provide a complete resolution but can instead leave room for interpretation and reflection.
For Blue Bloods, the idea was to create a finale that wrapped up the Reagan family’s storyline while allowing fans to appreciate the lasting legacy of the characters, leaving them with a sense of fulfillment without tying up every loose end.
2. ‘MAS*H’ – Emotional Goodbyes and a Lasting Impact
Another series Wade referenced was MAS*H, which ended with a highly emotional and poignant final episode. In this series, the characters are forced to say goodbye, but the lasting impact of the show’s themes—friendship, loss, and resilience—are felt throughout the finale. Wade admired how MAS*H provided a touching conclusion to its beloved characters, with the final episode serving as both a farewell and a testament to the show’s larger themes.
For Blue Bloods, Wade focused on ensuring the final moments of the Reagan family felt both emotional and true to the characters’ journey. The Regans have always emphasized family, loyalty, and tradition, and the finale had to reflect these core values in a way that felt both genuine and heartfelt.
3. ‘Friends’ – A Bittersweet Goodbye with a Touch of Humor
Friends is another finale that influenced Wade’s approach to the Blue Bloods conclusion. While the two shows may seem drastically different in tone, both share a sense of camaraderie among their characters. The Friends finale balanced humor with emotional moments, giving fans a sense of closure while still allowing for the possibility of new beginnings.
Wade noted that a series finale should not shy away from the emotions that come with saying goodbye, but it should also leave fans with a sense of hope and optimism. The Blue Bloods finale, therefore, incorporates both humor and heart to offer a sense of closure while respecting the show’s overall tone.
3. What Fans Can Expect from the ‘Blue Bloods’ Series Finale
A Satisfying Conclusion for the Reagan Family
So, what exactly can fans expect from the Blue Bloods series finale? While details have been kept under wraps, it’s clear that the ending will be a celebration of the Reagan family’s journey and their dedication to public service.
1. Family-Centered Farewell
As always, the Reagan family will be at the heart of the finale. The iconic family dinners—a staple throughout the series—will likely play a role in the closing moments, reminding fans of the strong bonds that tie the Reagans together. The show has always highlighted the importance of family, and the final episode is expected to do so as well, showcasing how they’ve each grown over the years.
2. A Reflection on Duty and Honor
Throughout the show, the Reagans have dedicated their lives to serving the public, and this theme of duty and honor is expected to be a central part of the finale. Whether it’s a final case or a reflective moment about their work, viewers will likely see the Reagan family reaffirm their commitment to their respective careers in law enforcement.
3. A Touch of Closure for Fans
Although the show will wrap up the Reagans’ individual storylines, fans can expect some closure for long-running plot arcs as well. Whether it’s personal growth or a nod to past events, the finale will make sure to honor everything that made Blue Bloods special while giving fans a sense of closure.
4. The Legacy of Blue Bloods
The Reagan Family’s Impact on TV and Fans
For many fans, Blue Bloods has been more than just a procedural drama—it’s been a show that delves deep into themes of family, duty, and personal sacrifice. Over the years, the show has built a dedicated fanbase that appreciates not just the crime-solving elements, but also the heartfelt moments that emphasize the importance of family.
As the show nears its end, fans are left reflecting on the profound impact Blue Bloods has had on television. The series’ portrayal of law enforcement families and its exploration of generational dynamics have set it apart from other shows in the genre. The Reagan family’s unwavering values and their ability to balance personal lives with public duty have resonated with viewers, making it one of the most memorable TV dramas of the past decade.
5. Conclusion: A Farewell That Honors the Reagan Family’s Legacy
As the final episode of Blue Bloods approaches, fans can rest assured that the show’s creators have carefully crafted an ending that pays tribute to the Reagan family and the values they’ve represented throughout the series. By drawing inspiration from iconic TV finales, showrunner Kevin Wade has created a farewell that not only provides closure for the characters but also leaves an emotional impact on the audience.
While Blue Bloods may be ending, the Reagan family’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and the lasting influence they’ve had on television storytelling. Whether through the family dinners, the law enforcement stories, or the timeless themes of duty and honor, Blue Bloods will forever hold a special place in TV history.
