Tom Selleck isn’t the only one feeling the sting of the 'Blue Bloods' series finale. Cast members, including the talented Len Cariou, who plays Henry Reagan, have voiced their disappointment about the show wrapping up after 14 seasons. Let’s dive into what Len had to say and why fans are holding onto hope for more Reagan family moments.
Len Cariou Reacts to the Show's End
Len Cariou, the man behind the beloved character Henry Reagan, recently opened up about the cancellation of 'Blue Bloods' after more than a decade on the air. In an interview with TV Insider published on November 8, Len expressed his frustration about the decision. “Yeah, it’s too bad. Doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “We’re still, I think, the best-watched show on Friday nights, even though we’re canceled.”
Why 'Blue Bloods' Became a Friday Night Staple
For millions of Americans, 'Blue Bloods' has become a cherished tradition, marking the start of the weekend with its Friday night broadcasts. Fans have grown accustomed to tuning in to catch up with the Reagan family's weekly dinner gatherings. It’s no surprise that saying goodbye to the series has stirred up a wave of emotions among viewers. Len admitted that even the cast wasn’t thrilled about airing on Friday nights when the show first launched over a decade ago. “Friday has not been — was at least at that point not really a very popular time, the first show on the weekends, and we thought, well, it’s not a very good time slot,” he shared.
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The Role of Tom Selleck in 'Blue Bloods' Success
Henry Reagan, portrayed by Len Cariou, credited Tom Selleck as a pivotal figure in the show's success, particularly in making Friday nights work. Tom, who became a household name through his role in 'Magnum, P.I.' from 1980 to 1988, brought a loyal fan base to CBS. “But because of Tom, and I think he has such a great following on CBS, that once they saw the show, they said, ‘No, it doesn’t matter. It’s really good. So they’ll make it work on Fridays,’” Len recalled. The cast and crew, along with executive producer Andrew Goldberg, believed they could dominate Friday nights, and they did just that for years.
CBS's Decision to End 'Blue Bloods'
Despite its popularity, CBS insists that all good things must come to an end. The network began airing the final episodes of season 14 in October, marking the conclusion of a beloved series. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach expressed gratitude to the cast and crew in a statement issued in May. “We really want to thank the cast and crew, everyone involved in the show,” she said. “We absolutely will miss the family dinners. It is important to give the show the sendoff it deserves.”
The network's statement continued, emphasizing the love for the cast and their passion for the show. “We love this cast, we love their passion for the show,” it read. “All shows have to come to an end. It’s important to us to refresh the schedule. We are going to end the show come December.”
Hope for a Spinoff or Continuation
Although CBS hasn’t announced any official spinoffs yet, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for a continuation of the Reagan family saga in some form. The speculation around how the series will conclude has fans theorizing about potential character arcs and dramatic twists. Some suggest a major character might meet an untimely end, with Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, being a possible candidate due to his character's recent struggles with exhaustion. Others wonder if a poignant family dinner might foreshadow the passing of Henry Reagan.
Where to Watch 'Blue Bloods'
For now, fans can catch the remaining episodes of 'Blue Bloods' on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, or stream them on Paramount+.
