Tom Selleck is facing the bittersweet reality of the impending conclusion of “Blue Bloods,” a show that has defined his career for the past 14 years. In a recent interview with TV Insider, he expressed his disappointment over the series’ cancellation, stating, “I’m kind of frustrated. During those last eight shows, I haven’t wanted to talk about an ending for ‘Blue Bloods’ but about it still being wildly successful.”
The series, which has consistently performed well in television ratings, was ranked ninth out of the Top 100 Shows for the 2023-2024 season, securing the sixth position when excluding sports-related broadcasts.
Selleck’s frustration partly arises from the perception that the show’s success has often been overlooked. “I don’t believe in holding grudges, but if you were to say to the television network, ‘Here’s a show you can program in the worst time slot you got, and it is going to guarantee you winning Friday night for the next 15 years,’ it would be almost impossible to believe,” he remarked.
Despite averaging over 12.5 million viewers during its first season and reaching a peak of 14.07 million in its seventh, CBS has decided to bring the series to a close. “Blue Bloods” has distinguished itself by exceeding 250 episodes, consistently outperforming expectations in a notoriously tough time slot. Selleck shared his thoughts on this, saying, “My frustration is the show was always taken for granted because it performed from the get-go. So how do I feel? It’s going to take a long time to sort all of this out.”
The cancellation holds personal significance for Tom Selleck as well. In a prior interview with “CBS Mornings,” he expressed concerns over potential financial challenges, mentioning that he might have to part with his 63-acre ranch in Ventura County, California, if his acting career doesn’t continue to flourish. Having acquired the ranch in 1988 post-“Magnum, P.I.,” he has dedicated time to its restoration. Reflecting on his situation, he stated, “If I stopped working, yeah. Am I set for life? Yeah, but maybe not on a 63-acre ranch!”
Selleck’s deep connection to “Blue Bloods” and his reflections on its cancellation underscore the difficulty of moving on from a cherished role. His extensive career in Hollywood has shaped his legacy, with “Blue Bloods” being a pivotal part of it.
As fans gear up for the final eight episodes, “Blue Bloods” is set to return to CBS on October 18, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The series, which has resonated with audiences for years, will leave a lasting impact on the landscape of television drama long after the final episode airs.