While Blue Bloods fans are reluctantly getting ready to say goodbye, many are making it clear that ending the show is the wrong move. The linear ratings make it clear this series has a fanbase.
According to TV Series Finale, Blue Bloods sits in 13th place in the average demo out of all the scripted shows. However, it’s in seventh place when you look at the average total audience. This is for a Friday night show, everyone. Do you remember when it was the “Friday night death slot?”
It’s clear that the fans are tuning in. While the ratings have dipped a small percentage compared to last season, there is a lot to factor in for this season. The main factor is that the show started later than last season. A midseason start (due to the strike action) is always going to lead to slightly lower numbers than a fall start.
The actors aren’t ready to say goodbye to Blue Bloods
The idea of cancelling the show when the Friday night ratings are still holding strong seems absurd. We just have to factor in that this series performs better than FBI: Most Wanted on Tuesdays at the same time. Yes, the FBI spin-off is pretty much guaranteed a renewal.
The show’s audience numbers are stronger than Fire Country, which was renewed for Season 3 and NCIS: Sydney, which was renewed for Season 2. If linear ratings are still so important, how can CBS justify ending the series?
It’s not like the actors are ready to move on. Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg have both been vocal about not wanting this series to end. They both took pay cuts last season to make sure a renewal could happen. Do we really think that they wouldn’t keep those pay cuts to get through another season?
Blue Bloods is more than just a procedural. There is this family element that allows us to connect with the characters on a personal level through the Reagan family dinner table. It’s something that no other procedural offers, and Selleck shares that he thinks this is the reason the series has remained so popular.
I’m all for shows ending when they’re on a high. Blue Bloods still is. I’m also all for shows being able to go out at milestone moments. Can we at least have Season 15?
Blue Bloods airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS.