Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Donnie Wahlberg, the talented actor known for his role as Detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods, recently got candid about the incredible journey the show has taken him on over the years. It wasn’t just a career-defining role for him, but it also became a family affair. In a heartfelt moment during the special episode Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy, Donnie admitted that he never imagined the show would resonate with audiences the way it did. As he looked back on 14 unforgettable seasons, his emotions were on full display.
‘Blue Bloods’: A Legacy That Surprised Everyone
The special episode aired on November 29, giving fans a chance to peek behind the curtain and hear from the cast as they prepared for the show's series finale. Host Nischelle Turner described Blue Bloods as "a success story no one saw coming." And honestly, who could have predicted it? The show, which centered around three generations of cops in the Reagan family, became a Friday night staple for viewers across the country. It wasn’t just about solving crimes; it was about the bonds of family, duty, and honor.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Early Predictions
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. When Donnie first joined the show, he thought it would last around seven years—tops. “I used to walk around saying, ‘Oh, seven years easy. Seven years,’” the 55-year-old actor confessed. But life had other plans. Not only did the show double that prediction, but it became a cultural phenomenon. “I couldn’t have predicted that,” Donnie admitted. “I believed in the show, though. I’m not sure I would have done it otherwise. And I also believed in the cast—we had the right group, the right show, and the right timing.”
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Bridget Moynahan’s Take on the Show’s Success
Bridget Moynahan, who played Erin Reagan, shared similar sentiments. “I don’t think anybody really had that idea that it was going to be the hit that it was and still is,” she said. It’s fascinating to hear how even the cast members themselves were surprised by the show’s longevity. For 14 seasons, they brought the Reagan family to life, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers along the way.
‘Blue Bloods’ Dominated Friday Nights
Len Cariou, who portrayed the iconic Frank Reagan, noted that the show “owned Friday night” with its 10 p.m. time slot on CBS. Greg Jbara echoed this sentiment, saying, “Blue Bloods did own the night on Friday night historically for its entire run, which is a major accomplishment.” Even Tom Selleck, a seasoned veteran in the industry, called the Friday, 10 p.m. slot a “death spot.” Yet, against all odds, the show thrived, proving that sometimes the best stories are the ones we least expect.
The Cast Reflects on Their Legacy
In the special episode, the cast also shared stories about some of their celebrity fans, including former President Bill Clinton, actor Henry Winkler, and filmmaker Ron Howard. Donnie reflected on what made Blue Bloods so special. “We had something different and something special,” he said. “A lot of TV over the last two decades has moved away from a family like the Reagans. And suddenly here was this show coming that in some ways seemed like it was past its time, but in reality, it was the perfect time. It was right on time. People missed that type of show as an option on the menu.”
Saying Goodbye to the Reagan Family
After 14 seasons, the cast will bid farewell to their beloved characters in the series finale episode on December 13. Titled “End of Tour,” the episode promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, featuring a dramatic funeral scene. According to CBS, the finale will see the Reagan family working together to prevent chaos in the city as rival gangs demand amnesty for their imprisoned members. It’s all hands on deck as the family races against time to restore peace.
