After fourteen years, the long-running hit CBS sequence Blue Bloods will lastly come to an finish. Solely a handful of episodes stay for the police-themed procedural drama. All issues thought-about, the present has loved an distinctive run. Nonetheless, this might not be the tip of the Blue Bloods legend. With the appearance of streaming media and Paramount+ seeking to proceed its established TV franchises on the platform, reminiscent of Star Trek and NCIS, it’s no shock that executives have teased potential spin-offs or continuations of Blue Bloods. Sequence star Donnie Wahlberg, who has portrayed Danny Reagan for the reason that first episode, just lately commented concerning the potential way forward for the sequence whereas chatting with TV Insider, stating, “No matter comes subsequent, so long as it has household at its core and the spirit of Blue Bloods, I am all for it.” Wahlberg is totally proper about that. No matter what occurs subsequent in increasing the Blue Bloods franchise, it is essential that CBS maintains the familial theme that exemplifies the core of the sequence’ id.

The Theme of Household Is A part of the Material of ‘Blue Bloods’

At face worth, Blue Bloods is a police procedural drama. Nonetheless, the hook for the present has at all times been the Reagan household dynamic. Blue Bloods isn’t merely a cop present; it is about a household in legislation enforcement. To not point out, the present gives attention-grabbing views from a number of sides of the legislation enforcement course of on account of Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) being the New York Police Division commissioner; Danny Reagan (Wahlberg), a seasoned detective; Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), a subject intelligence sergeant; Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan), the assistant district lawyer; and Henry Reagan (Len Cariou), a retired officer and former commissioner. Typically, their subplots would intersect, however the present’s highly effective household presence remained constant in each season. By way of thick and skinny, the Reagans put household above all else, and so they at all times have one another’s backs, making Blue Bloods a household present initially, and a police procedural present second.

For instance, take the vigorous household dinners that happen in each episode, normally involving a debate concerning the storylines or themes for that week. The Reagans usually expertise moments of discord and dissent, however the disharmony finally will get resolved by the tip of the episode. The household dinners are essential as a result of they display how the Reagans are at all times keen to work by means of their points. Their careers in legislation enforcement by no means get in the best way of the Sunday dinner custom. Within the Reagan household, the sanctity of the household comes first, regardless of their varied disagreements. The Sunday dinners present that the Reagan household can overcome any problem or hardship so long as they’re collectively.

The Problem of a ‘Blue Bloods’ Continuation

As reported by Deadline, throughout a June 2024 Paramount International Annual Assembly of Stockholders, Paramount CEO Brian Robbins mentioned that shareholders can anticipate “new franchise extensions” for reveals reminiscent of Dexter, Blue Bloods, and Fireplace Nation. Whereas the Dexter and Fireplace Nation spin-offs have launched sequence info, particulars nonetheless stay up within the air relating to what’s subsequent for Blue Bloods. A prequel sequence will surely be an choice, just like Dexter: Authentic Sin or NCIS: Origins. However what a couple of sequel or continuation sequence just like NCIS: Tony & Ziva? The problem for a sequel sequence would contain sustaining the Reagan household dynamic. What if the principle solid members had been to depart New York Metropolis or begin new chapters of their lives elsewhere? Since the household dynamic is so essential to the core of Blue Bloods, jettisoning or downplaying that dynamic presents an enormous danger. Is it nonetheless Blue Bloods with out the Reagan household and Sunday dinners?

That’s to not say spin-offs or variations on the present format for Blue Bloods would not work. It could definitely be attention-grabbing to see a prequel sequence, presumably exploring a youthful Frank Reagan throughout his days within the rank and file of the NYPD. His father, Henry, can be the police commissioner, whereas the remainder of the Reagan household are younger youngsters. We have now by no means seen Frank’s late spouse, Mary Margaret Reagan, or Joseph Reagan. Each characters had already handed away earlier than the occasions of the primary episode. It could be attention-grabbing to lastly see these characters onscreen for the primary time in a spin-off. This state of affairs would additionally enable the Reagan household dynamic to stay intact. A prequel may additionally depict the origins of the Reagan household’s Sunday dinners and why they grew to become such an essential, sacred custom for the household.

When it comes to sequels or continuations, if Blue Bloods does transfer away from the Reagan household, attention-grabbing characters reminiscent of Detective Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk) and Joe Hill (Will Hochman) may lead their very own spin-offs. No less than Joe Hill maintains the Reagan household connection, and Detective Baker has been a part of the present for the reason that first season as Commissioner Frank Reagan’s main aide. It could be attention-grabbing to see her lead her personal sequence, maybe in a brand new place or function for the character. The problem with these hypothetical concepts entails sustaining the curiosity in Blue Bloods whereas doubtlessly reducing the Reagan household’s presence.

‘Blue Bloods’ Will Conclude With Its Closing Episode in December

As of this date, just some episodes of Blue Bloods stay. The sequence finale, appropriately titled “Finish of Tour,” will air on December 13, 2024. Whereas it’s unhappy that the present is coming to an finish, the sequence has undoubtedly skilled an unbelievable run, and the finale shall be an emotional, bittersweet occasion. No matter occurs subsequent with Blue Bloods, hopefully the creators will take Wahlberg’s phrases to coronary heart and bear in mind the significance of household for any future franchise extensions or continuations. The bonds of a household that simply occurred to be in legislation enforcement made Blue Bloods such an indelible sequence for audiences, and a tv staple for fourteen seasons.

New episodes of Blue Bloods debut on Fridays on CBS. Each episode of the sequence is streaming now on Paramount+ within the U.S.

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