Donnie Wahlberg’s perspective on a potentialBlue Bloodsspinoff is correct. For the past fourteen years, the drama about a multi-generational family of cops has been one of CBS' most popular shows, making thenetwork’s decision to cancelBlue Bloodsdisappointingand perplexing. The series' emphasis is on family relationships, and its weekly family dinner scenes have become iconic. This unique blend of family stories with typical police procedural elements is a large part of what has made the series so popular.
Soon after CBS confirmedBlue Bloods’cancelation, Paramount executives suggested the possibility of a spinoff in the works. Although no specific plans have been revealed, there has been widespread speculation about what the spinoff could entail, with someBlue Bloodsspinoff ideasbeing more popular than others.Wahlberg recently made some comments about what needs to be included for a potential spinoff to be successful that demonstrate a keen understanding of why this series is so popularafter over a decade on the air.
Donnie Wahlberg Is Right: A Blue Bloods Spinoff Must Be About Family
Anything Else Misses The Core Values That Made The Procedural So Popular
Wahlberg indicated thathe would be interested in being part of a spinoff only if it contained the core family values that madeBlue Bloodsspecial.These comments were spot-on, as most of the police procedural elements would fall flat without the family aspect of the series.Blue Bloodsworked because it wasn’t just about cops; it was about a family of cops that supported one another through thick and thin.
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Blue Bloods’Reagan family dinnerswere the most popular part of the show because they reflected the type of family closeness the audience appreciated and longed for, andwithout that, the show would simply be yet another police procedural in a TV landscape that is oversaturated with them. In addition, there were often scenes of younger Reagans turning toward Frank or Henry for advice on whatever was going on in their professional or personal lives, adding to the show’s focus on family values.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Comments Show A Problem For A Blue Bloods Spinoff
It Would Have To Appeal To An Audience That Wants More Of The Original
Creating a spinoff that will appeal toBlue Bloods’core audience will be challenging. Much of the audience is angry that the original was canceled despite amassive fan movement to saveBlue Bloods.Thus, aspinoff would have to contain enough of the core elements to be satisfying yet be different enough from the originalto not raise objections that the spinoff’s existence proves there was no need to cancel the original.
Some spinoff ideas would not work well because they would not include enough of the cast to be of interest or could be seen as insulting to the most vocal and supportive cast members such as Wahlberg and Tom Selleck.
Additionally, most of theBlue Bloodscast would love to continue the original show. Thus, spinoff ideas would have to consider which original cast members it makes the most sense to include and whether those not invited to participate could work with the spinoff in a different manner, such as occasional cameo appearances or helping direct the episodes. Some spinoff ideas would not work well because they would not include enough of the cast to be of interest or could be seen as insulting to the most vocal and supportive cast members, such as Wahlberg and Tom Selleck.
What Could A Blue Bloods Spinoff Be About?
There Are Several Strong Possibilities, But A Prequel May Make The Most Sense
There are several possibilities that could work for aBlue Bloodsspinoff, as they would continue to preserve the series' legacy of centering families. It appears thatBlue Bloods’ending will likely include Jamie and Eddie having a baby, and Jack and Erin may reconcile or Danny might find new love with Baez.These storylines could be continued in a spinoff that features one or more of the younger generation of Reagans, though it might be disappointing for the show to go on without Tom Selleck.
Another possibility is a prequel series. Although this series likely would also not feature Selleck or most of the original cast, it might still be similar enough to be of interest.A prequel series could feature a younger Frank and his wife raising their four kids while Frank worked as a copand Henry was the Police Commissioner. Thus, Frank would be in the stage of life Danny is in now, and Henry would be like Frank is now.
Whether a spinoff is a prequel or sequel, it’s important that it features the Reagans in some way.
This spinoff idea is appealing not only because it would be thematically similar to the original, but because it would introduce characters who are no longer alive in the current series, especiallyBlue Bloods’Joe Reagan. Whether a spinoff is a prequel or sequel, it’s important that it features the Reagans in some way. ABlue Bloodsspinoff featuring a different family of cops would not land well, as it would feel like a knockoff of the original instead of a true spinoff.
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.
