It’s a bittersweet time for Blue Bloods fans. CBS has confirmed that the beloved Friday night cop show will be returning in February 2024. However, it’s also now confirmed if the 14th season will be the last. However, that doesn’t mean it’s ending next May. What is the show’s fate?
Like all network shows, Blue Bloods has been delayed from its planned fall 2023 start due to the combined WGA and SAG strikes. It took a while for both to be settled, with the series now set to return for Season 14 on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
That cuts the usual episode order down as the series is set for a return. However, it’s a good news/bad news situation for fans.
The bad news? That Season 14 will indeed be the last for the venerable cop show. This is sad but not wholly unexpected. Despite its success, Blue Bloods commands a high price from CBS due to the cast salaries (especially Tom Selleck) and CBS’s need to focus on newer series. The show has flirted with cancellation in its last few seasons as 14 years for a network drama is pretty long, even for CBS. The strikes also took a blow on the network, who may think it’s better to go for a fresher series rather than a show skewing toward an older audience.
Why is Blue Bloods ending with Season 14?
In a statement, Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment and David Stapf, President of CBS Studios, praised the series.
"“Blue Bloods will forever be a beloved part of CBS’ legacy. We’ll be forever grateful to the legendary Leonard Goldberg for developing this signature series and to the amazing cast led by Tom Selleck, who America embraced as family and watched as welcomed guests at the Reagan dinner table. We also sincerely thank the incredible writing and producing teams guided by executive producer Kevin Wade, for years of compelling episodes as they conceive this final chapter that we expect to be the most satisfying season yet for our loyal viewers.”"
Tom Selleck himself spoke for the cast on how it felt to end the show after so long.
"“For the past 13 years it has been an honor and a privilege to work on a show that not only celebrates the men and women who protect and serve in New York City, but also displayed the importance of family. Working alongside these incredible actors, writers, producers, directors and crew has been a dream come true and I’m grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary group for over 275 episodes. Thank you to CBS Studios and CBS Network for their steadfast support and we offer heartfelt gratitude to the fans who gathered with us for dinner every Friday night.”"
The final statement came from showrunner Kevin Wade, who promised fans a great ending to the series.
"“Blue Bloods will leave behind an enduring legacy that was collectively achieved by our extraordinary cast, our talented and tirelessly inventive writers, and the best crew in the business…. We look forward to giving fans an exciting and emotionally satisfying final season, and we are forever grateful for their enthusiasm and loyalty over all these years.”"
So it’s sad news for fans that the show is ending. But there is a silver lining as it’ll be getting a special double-sized sendoff leading into 2024.
When will the Blue Bloods final episodes air?
There was a question of just how many episodes Blue Bloods could have for Season 14. Per TVLine, the final season will now be split in half, with 10 episodes airing in spring 2024 and the final eight saved for next fall.
This is a fun move as it guarantees CBS has the show for one more run in fall 2024 and lets the cast and writers prepare for the big sendoff. It’s likely the finale will play on various Reagan family dynamics, with Frank still doing his best as NYPD Commissioner.
So, while fans of Blue Bloods may be saddened to know the series is finally coming to an end, it won’t be until next year and gives us all time to get ready for one last Reagan family dinner.
Blue Bloods Season 14 premieres Friday, Feb. 16 at 10/9c on CBS.