CBS had its reasons for cancelingBlue Bloodseven though it was one of the network’s highest-rated dramas, so its viewership wasn’t enough to change the network’s mind. The Tom Selleck-led cop and family drama was one of CBS' most popular shows during its final season. Unfortunately, CBS stuck to itsdisappointing decision to cancelBlue Bloods,with the series airing its final episode on June 12, 2025. As of right now, the network plans to airSWATinBlue Bloods’place.
The decision to airSWATis particularly aggravating because itgot a reprieve from cancelation twice despite substantially lower ratings thanBlue Bloods.Additionally,Blue Bloods' cancelation was strongly opposed both by fans and cast members, with Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck being particularly outspoken about how much they hoped CBS would reverse its decision. Thus, while CBS had solid reasons for its decision, understanding them is cold comfort to those who feel the network ignored thefan-led movement to saveBlue Bloods.
Blue Bloods Season 14’s Ratings Explained
Blue Bloodscontinued to be a ratings success through its final episode. It was the sixth-highest-rated show on network television and the fourth-highest on CBS (viaTVLine). Additionally,Blue Bloodsattracted an average of 7.9 million viewers per episode, a doubly impressive feat considering that it aired on Friday nights at 10 PM— a time at which many people are out of the house instead of at home watching TV. The last two episodes attracted even bigger audiences, with 11 million people watching the series finale.
Blue Bloods Already Has The Perfect Replacement Show With 100% On Rotten Tomatoes
The Raegans are preparing to say goodbye as Blue Bloods heads to its final episodes. Luckily, network TV already has a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
In comparison,SWATwas only the 16th-highest-rated series on CBS, attracting an average of 5.6 million viewers — a little over 2 million less thanBlue Bloods. Thus,it appears that CBS has replaced a popular series with one that is far less so. PuttingSWATin the timeslot that worked so well forBlue Bloodsis likely in an effort to improve its ratings, but that is no guarantee. The discrepancy in ratings also makes it seem unfair thatBlue Bloodshas been canceled whileSWAThas gotten multiple reprieves.
Blue Bloods Season 14’s Ratings Were Never Likely To Save It
Sadly, it was unlikely to matter how many people watchedBlue Bloodsseason 14, as CBS had decided that this would be the final season before it began. CBS took a long time to renewBlue Bloodsafter season 13 despite its strong ratings and passionate fan base, ultimately agreeing to season 14 only if the cast and crew took a 25% pay cut. While the cast’s willingness to do so speaks to their dedication to fans, the fact that they needed to make this sacrifice shows thatthe reasonBlue Bloodswas canceled was financial.
CBS decided thatBlue Bloodswas too expensive to continue producing, and that concern was never going to be offset by the strength of its ratings.
Most of the cast had remained with the series for all fourteen seasons, which meant they commanded high salaries, and the procedural had an unusually large cast — including Tom Selleck, whose well-known name contributed to the salary he drew. Additionally,Blue Bloodswas filmed in New York,which is more expensive than filming in a studio in Los Angeles. For all these reasons, CBS decided thatBlue Bloodswas too expensive to continue producing, and that concern was never going to be offset by the strength of its ratings.
Blue Bloods' Ratings Only Make The Cancelation Backlash Worse
Devoted Supporters of The Series Resent Their Voices Being Ignored
CBS' decision has led to a huge backlash, which is to be expected when a series is as popular asBlue Bloodsis. The family aspects of the series, including the iconicReagan family dinners inBlue Bloods, set it apart from other procedurals while filling a need for shows depicting families who supported one another despite their differences, while its respectful treatment of the NYPD endeared it to real-life police officers. Thus, many people are angry that the series was taken away from them, and some of them are refusing to watch other CBS programming in protest.
8 Spinoffs Set Up By The Blue Bloods Finale
Blue Bloods season 14, episode 18 was heartbreaking because it was the series finale, but it also set up some strong spinoff ideas for the future.
The high ratings take away the best justification for canceling the series, however. Many shows are canceled each year due to low ratings and thus audiences understand that their favorite show will be canceled if not enough people watch it. Conversely,the decision to cancelBlue Bloodsmakes little sense when viewed solely through the lens of ratings, as it is more popular than many shows that CBS renewed. Thus, many in the audience feel that CBS doesn’t care about its viewers' preferences or worry that CBS canceledBlue Bloodsfor other unknown reasons.
Blue Bloods’cast’s passion for the show and interest in continuing also contribute to the backlash about the cancelation, as audiences would likely feel better about it if it ended because they felt it was time rather than because of a seemingly arbitrary decision on CBS' part.
Additionally, the cast has been vocal about wanting to do another season. Many of them believed until the last minute that CBS would issue a reprieve or that the high ratings on the final eight episodes ofBlue Bloodswould make a difference to CBS' future plans.Blue Bloods’cast’s passion for the show and interest in continuing also contribute to the backlash about the cancelation, as audiences would likely feel better about it if it ended because they felt it was time rather than because of a seemingly arbitrary decision on CBS' part.
Blue Bloods' Ratings Are Good For A Spinoff
There Is Already A Built-In Audience For A Sequel or Prequel
CBS made a mistake by not developing a sequel, prequel, or other spinoff whileBlue Bloodswas still on the air. Doing so would have allowed the audience to get used to the offshoot. Having a new series in the franchise to look forward to when the original ended would have helped soften the blow of losingBlue Bloods.It would have strong ties to the mothership, since plot seeds would have been planted. Although a spinoff is reportedly in development, there have been no updates about it, making it even harder to acceptBlue Bloodsleaving the schedule.
The spinoff needs to feature some members of the Reagan family to attract the original series' audience.
ABlue Bloodsspinoff should do well, considering the ratings on the original. However, the new series would have to have the same values that madeBlue Bloodsso popular. Additionally, the spinoff needs to feature some members of the Reagan family in order to attract the original series' audience. A spinoff focused on an unrelated family would feel like a reboot, making it less clear why CBS was producing it instead of another season of the original series; this type of spinoff would not be successful as it would angerBlue Bloods' loyal and passionate audience even further.
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.
