Summary
CBS is well aware ofBlue Bloods’influence, making the network’s decision to wrap up the hit police procedural and forge ahead with an in-universe spinoff series even more frustrating for fans of the original show.Blue Bloodshas been a CBS mainstay since 2010, growing to become one of the network’s longer-running scripted primetime TV serieswith 14 seasons and almost 300 episodes to its name. In addition to longevity,Blue Bloodshas maintained its viewership status as TV’s no. 1 10 p.m. series, consequently"leading the Network’s top-rated Friday night lineup,“perCBS News.
Despite the show’s integral accomplishments, late last year,CBS officially canceledBlue Bloodsand asserted that season 14 would be the series' final. The decision baffled audiences and instigated afan-led campaign petitioning forBlue Bloods’continuation. Instead of catering to the wishes ofBlue Bloods’devoted fanbase, CBS released news of the network’s interest inaBlue Bloodsspinoff series. As if the production of a spinoff overBlue Bloodsseason 15 wasn’t maddening enough,CBS Studios President David Stapf recently acknowledged just how special the original series has become.
Blue Bloodsseason 14, part 1 is available to watch on Paramount+. Part 2 is confirmed for October 18 at 10 p.m.
CBS Knows Blue Bloods Is “Beloved” - But Canceled It Anyway
CBS Is Decisive On A New Direction For Blue Bloods
In a recent interview, Stapf gave a candidupdate on theBlue Bloodsspinoff, doubling down on CBS’s interest in taking the IP in a new direction. What the new direction entails and who will be involved is still to be determined, as according to the CBS executive, thespinoff is still in its early development stages. Beyond giving an update on the spinoff,Stapf recognized the originalBlue Bloodsseries as a"brand, a title, and a show that is beloved,“adding fuel to the confusion fire of why a spinoff is in developmentwhen the flagship series is so distinguished.
Unfortunately, something is stopping CBS from takingBlue Bloodspast season 14, and it has to be substantialto disregard the outpour of support the series is receiving and everything the show has proven to offer.
Stapf’s comment not only acknowledgesBlue Bloods’commercial influence but also the devotion of the fans it has accrued over the last 14 years. Considering that CBS knows the demand is there, the show’s ratings are good, and eventhe cast ofBlue Bloodswant it to continue,developing more of the original series seems like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, something is stopping CBS from takingBlue Bloodspast season 14, and it has to be substantialto disregard the outpour of support the series is receiving and everything the show has proven to offer.
Why A Blue Bloods Spinoff Is Happening When The Main Show Was Canceled
A Blue Bloods Spinoff Will Likely Cost Less Than Maintaining The Original Show
CBS has yet to reveal the reason behindBlue Bloods’cancelation, though manyreports claim that the network’s decision stemmed from production costs. In truth, continuing theBlue Bloodsseries would mean footing the bill for shooting on location in New York City, paying the performers in its cast, and maintaining all the other odd expenditures of producing a series more than it already has. Although cast and crew members alike have been willing to bear pay losses, the financial cons of continuing the series have apparently outweighed the pros.
If production costs are indeed the reason behindBlue Bloods’cancelation, thenwhy aBlue Bloodsspinoff is happeningin place of season 15 makes sense. Starting fresh would give the network the leeway to pursue a more cost-effective production environment (like choosing cheaper shooting locations, bartering with a new cast of performers and their pay expectations, etc.). From CBS’s vantage point, aBlue Bloodsspinoff could be mutually beneficial -the network’s executives get the budget cuts they sought while the legacy of the IP can live on.
Blue Bloods
Cast
Blue Bloods is a television drama series that follows the Reagan family, a family of law enforcement officers in New York City. Led by Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, the series explores familial and professional dynamics as they navigate police work and politics, guided by their patriarch, the former Chief, Henry Reagan.
