Inside Blue Bloods’ Reagan Dinners: Which Actor Eats the Most Food, How Long Is Filming, More Secrets
The Iconic Reagan Family Dinners
One of the most beloved aspects of Blue Bloods is the Reagan family dinners, which occur at the end of nearly every episode. These scenes provide a unique opportunity to showcase the tight-knit family dynamic that is at the heart of the show. Whether they’re sharing laughs or discussing serious matters, the Reagan dinners have become a symbol of the show’s emphasis on family values, and they offer fans a chance to see the actors in a more personal, relaxed setting. However, there are many behind-the-scenes secrets that fans may not know about the iconic family dinner scenes.
The Length of Filming and the Atmosphere on Set
Filming the Reagan family dinner scenes is no small feat. According to the show’s cast and crew, these scenes typically take a few hours to shoot, with some dinners taking up to five hours to complete. The reason for this extended filming time is the need to capture multiple angles, lines, and reactions from each actor. It’s a highly choreographed scene with a lot of camera movement, as the characters move around the table, interact with each other, and deliver their lines.
Despite the long hours, the atmosphere on set is warm and welcoming. The Reagan family dinners have become one of the most enjoyable parts of filming for the cast. Tom Selleck, who plays Frank Reagan, often praises the camaraderie among the actors, and the dinner scenes are no exception. The cast has shared how these moments allow them to bond as a family, and their genuine connection often translates into the chemistry seen on-screen.
Which Actor Eats the Most Food?
While the Reagan family dinners are scripted, there’s one element that’s often unscripted: how much food the actors actually consume during the scenes. In a fun tidbit revealed by the cast, the actor who tends to eat the most during the dinner scenes is Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Danny Reagan. Donnie has admitted that he enjoys snacking on the food during breaks in filming and that he often indulges in the meal between takes.
However, it’s not just the food that the actors enjoy. The dinners also provide an opportunity for the cast to relax and unwind during filming, allowing them to socialize and joke with each other. While it’s not uncommon for actors to pretend to eat or take small bites in other TV shows, the Reagan family meals are more relaxed, and many of the cast members are genuinely enjoying the food they’re “eating.”
The Secret to the Authentic Reagan Family Dynamic
One of the main reasons the Reagan family dinners feel so authentic is the genuine chemistry between the actors. As one of the most important scenes in every episode, these dinners showcase the relationships between Frank, his children, and other family members. The cast has frequently mentioned that their bond is built on respect and trust, both on and off the set. Their easy rapport makes the dinners feel natural and heartfelt, giving viewers the sense that they’re witnessing a real family gathering.
Additionally, the food used in these scenes is often carefully chosen to reflect the family’s down-to-earth, traditional New York lifestyle. The meals typically consist of classic American dishes like roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. The show’s production team ensures that the food looks appetizing and adds to the realism of the family setting.
Conclusion
The Reagan family dinners in Blue Bloods have become an iconic part of the show, symbolizing the strong family bonds at the heart of the series. Behind the scenes, these dinners take hours to film and require close collaboration among the cast and crew. While Donnie Wahlberg is the actor who eats the most during these scenes, it’s the genuine chemistry between the cast members that makes these moments feel so authentic. Whether it’s the food, the acting, or the heartfelt conversations, the Reagan family dinners remain a highlight of Blue Bloods, continuing to resonate with viewers season after season.
