Donnie Wahlberg Bids Tearful Goodbye to Blue Bloods Cast & Crew in Emotional Speech After 14 Seasons
Tom Selleck Urges CBS to Reconsider Blue Bloods Cancellation
Blue Bloods is set to end in December 2024, but talks of a spinoff show offer hope for the universe’s continuation.
Blue Bloods actor Donnie Wahlberg delivered an emotional speech upon the conclusion of filming for the series. Wahlberg has played the lead role of Danny Reagan since Blue Bloods premiered in 2010. After over a decade on the air, Blue Bloods season 14 returned on February 16 and ran until May 17. The season is currently on a mid-season break and will resume on October 18.
In a new video from the end of Blue Bloods filming (via NKOTB News), Wahlberg provides his tearful farewell to the series. Wahlberg praises co-star Tom Selleck, saying it was “an honor to be led by” the actor despite their differences. Wahlberg expresses gratitude toward everyone involved in the show, reflecting on the challenges they faced, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Check out Wahlberg’s full quote below:
“It’s a dream, it was just a dream, we were so blessed. You know, I looked across the table the other day and watched words from a man I watched on TV as a little boy. What an honor to be led by you, I mean we’re total opposites in every way. Completely opposite. Thank you. Thank you for showing up and never giving up the fight from day one. Really. And I know it’s hard sometimes on all of us, but just thank you.
You are a tremendous example, it’s an honor to work with you. And I know you get embarrassed, so Kevin, same for you, Siobhan, all the writers. You guys took on a heavy load early on, we didn’t know if we were gonna last a year or two years. Everyone, I’m going to forget somebody, but you, all you guys. I’m going to try to leave here with gratitude in my heart, and I’m going to try to shut up quickly. But, you know, four years ago we were in this room and none of us knew if we would ever see each other again for a lot worse reasons. Maybe one of the worst days of my life, and I’m sure in a lot of your lives.
We didn’t know what was going to happen in this world, and somehow we got another few years together and God willing we’ll get some more time together to do something magical again. It would just be honored to work with any of you again and I pray that that can happen, one way or another, I won’t give up trying. Let’s have a great night together, we f*cking earned it.”
Wahlberg’s emotional speech references the imminent conclusion of Blue Bloods. The cancellation of Blue Bloods after season 14 was officially announced in November 2023. CBS’s budget cuts are seemingly the reason behind the show’s cancellation, as the network could not settle negotiations with the show’s creators.
While Wahlberg’s reflection on Blue Bloods is heartfelt, several stars have been even more vocal about the show’s conclusion. Selleck has urged CBS to reconsider their decision, hoping the network will “come to their senses.” Despite strong opinions from Selleck and viewers, many of whom have sent online pleas to CBS, the network confirmed in May that the procedural series was still set for cancellation.
However, the Blue Bloods universe may continue. In June, a Paramount executive confirmed that a Blue Bloods spinoff was in the works. Although the decision to cancel Blue Bloods season 15 remains baffling, it does imply the universe will persist. Through cameos and guest appearances, this spinoff show might provide the reunion Wahlberg hopes for in his speech.
