CBS Announces Farewell Season for Blue Bloods: Two-Part Finale to Wrap Up Iconic Cop Drama

In a recent announcement, CBS confirmed that the highly acclaimed police family drama, Blue Bloods, is set to conclude with its upcoming 14th season. The final season will be extended, comprising 18 episodes, with the first 10 scheduled to premiere on CBS and Paramount+ on February 16, during the midseason. The remaining 8 episodes will air in the fall of 2024.
The decision to provide an extended farewell comes in the wake of challenges faced by the industry, including a reduction in the size of scripted seasons for the 2023-24 period. CBS, recognizing the significance of bidding adieu to two of its flagship series, Blue Bloods and Young Sheldon, opted to offer expanded final seasons to provide a proper sendoff.
Blue Bloods, which follows multiple generations of the Reagan family in New York law enforcement, has been a stalwart in CBS’ Friday night lineup since its premiere in 2010. Last season, it claimed the title of the most-watched primetime program on Friday nights and ranked as the third most-watched broadcast drama, boasting 9.54 million viewers.
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf jointly expressed their gratitude for the enduring success of Blue Bloods, acknowledging the contributions of star and executive producer Tom Selleck, the late executive producer Leonard Goldberg, and writer/executive producer Kevin Wade. The series has been a consistent winner in its time slot, maintaining its popularity throughout its 13 seasons.
The decision to conclude Blue Bloods was made following negotiations for its renewal in March, which included budget cuts to address increased fiscal scrutiny in the media industry. The cast and producers agreed to salary reductions to ensure the show’s continuation and support the employment of crew and personnel.
Season 14, set to be the series’ last, was crafted with the awareness that it could serve as a potential final chapter. The decision to split the season into two parts was made after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, solidifying the show’s conclusion.
With a total of 293 episodes, Blue Bloods will conclude its run as one of the ten longest-running CBS scripted series. Tom Selleck, leading an ensemble cast, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on a show that celebrates the dedication of those who serve in New York City while emphasizing the importance of family.
The series has been a significant asset for CBS, ranking in the top 10 on Paramount+ based on minutes viewed and on Pluto TV for viewed channels. Blue Bloods has garnered success across various platforms, including streaming services, syndication, and international markets.
Executive producer Kevin Wade reflected on the legacy of Blue Bloods, describing it as a police procedural that resonated with millions of viewers. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with CBS Studios and the CBS Television Network, highlighting their encouragement to tell multi-layered narratives. Wade looks forward to delivering an emotionally satisfying final season to the dedicated fans who have supported the show over the years.
