While Donnie Wahlberg’s Boston Blue prepares for a global launch, Tom Selleck — the iconic face of Blue Bloods — is reflecting on the past, the abrupt end of the series, and how he really feels about the franchise’s next chapter.
In a recent interview, Selleck spoke candidly about his “mixed emotions” following CBS’s decision to conclude Blue Bloods after fourteen seasons. Though proud of the show’s legacy, he admitted that the news caught him — and much of the cast — by surprise.
“We weren’t ready to say goodbye,” Selleck said. “After more than a decade together, we were like family. It wasn’t just a TV show; it was part of our lives.”
Frustrations With CBS’s Decision
According to reports, CBS executives decided to end Blue Bloods despite strong viewership numbers and continued fan engagement. The show remained one of the network’s most-watched dramas, especially among older audiences. Selleck admitted that he found the decision “difficult to understand.”
“You can’t help but feel frustrated,” he said. “We had more stories to tell, and the fans still cared deeply. But I also know the business side of television has changed — it’s not always about ratings anymore.”
Industry insiders suggest that budget constraints and CBS’s strategic shift toward franchise-driven programming — including FBI and NCIS spinoffs — played a major role in the network’s decision.
Still, Selleck emphasized gratitude rather than resentment.
“I’m proud of the work we did,” he said. “Fourteen years is an extraordinary run, and I think we ended with integrity.”
Support for Donnie Wahlberg and Boston Blue
Despite his disappointment, Selleck expressed full support for Wahlberg’s Boston Blue, calling his longtime co-star “the perfect person to carry the torch.” The two actors developed a close bond during their time on Blue Bloods, and Selleck said he was thrilled to see Wahlberg stepping into a leadership role.
“Donnie’s got incredible energy and heart,” Selleck said. “He understands what made Blue Bloods resonate — that sense of family and purpose. I have no doubt he’ll bring that same authenticity to Boston Blue.”
According to sources, Wahlberg personally reached out to Selleck before the spinoff was announced to discuss the idea and get his blessing. Selleck, ever gracious, gave it wholeheartedly.
“He didn’t need my approval, but it meant a lot that he asked,” Selleck recalled. “That’s who Donnie is — respectful, loyal, and full of passion for storytelling.”
A Legacy That Endures
For fans, Boston Blue represents a continuation of a beloved universe — one that Selleck helped define. Though he’s not expected to appear in the first season, the door remains open for future crossovers or guest appearances.
“If they ever wanted Frank Reagan to stop by Boston, I’d listen,” Selleck teased. “I still feel connected to that world. Those characters will always be part of me.”
As the entertainment industry evolves, Selleck remains philosophical about the changing nature of television.
“Shows don’t get the same runway they used to,” he said. “But if Blue Bloods and Boston Blue can remind people that integrity and family still matter, then that’s a legacy worth celebrating.”
For millions of fans worldwide, that legacy lives on — not only in reruns and streaming archives but also in the spirit of a new show ready to carry the Reagan family’s values into a new era.
“We started something special,” Selleck said softly. “And I think Donnie’s about to keep it alive.”
