Blue Bloods has time to craft the perfect goodbye

There is no doubt that we’re sad to say goodbye to Blue Bloods. The saving grace is that CBS has given this show time.

When it looked like Blue Bloods would be canceled instead of renewed for Season 14, we had a feeling that it would be the last. There were only so many pay cuts the actors could take. Despite this show being the best for Friday nights, it eventually had to come to an end.

CBS hasn’t just abruptly canceled it the way it did with long-running crime drama NCIS: Los Angeles. Instead, we’re getting a two-part final season, which means the chance for a perfect goodbye.

Blue Bloods has the summer to craft a goodbye

The first half of the season will be 10 episodes long. That means a May finale, and then the writers will have all summer to make sure the goodbye is just right. There isn’t a rush to fit it in right now, which is something that shows like The Good Doctor and Station 19 will need to do.

CBS has gifted this show the time that it deserves. From now until writing, the show can look at the guest stars who could make their way back for an episode or two. There’s the chance to revisit storylines to see which ones need a special mention as characters have their conversations. The writers also have the time to make sure goodbyes are natural and not rushed in, whether it’s a character death or someone moving on to pastures new.

Little foreshadowing moments can be added into the scripts of the current 10 episodes. This way, fans can get to the final eight and say “oh, that’s what he meant,” or “oh, she did hint this would happen.” It shows planning to make sure fans feel like they have the closure they need.

Blue Bloods Season 14 premieres on Friday, Feb. 16 at 10/9c on CBS. Catch up on Paramount+.