This week marks the first time we won't have a fresh episode of Blue Bloods since the series finale aired on December 13. Fans are left with a void, but Donnie Wahlberg has assured everyone that he and the rest of the cast fought hard to keep the show alive. It wasn't an easy goodbye, and Donnie shared some heartfelt insights about the experience.
Donnie Reflects on the Family They Built in New York City
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Donnie, 55, opened up about the deep bond he formed with the crew in New York City. He spoke candidly about the emotional toll the show's ending had on him and his fellow castmates. "There’s something we haven’t really talked about much, which is the incredible connection we all had with the crew in New York," Donnie explained. "For me—and I’m sure for some of the other cast members—it was tough to say goodbye. There was a real sense of loss, like we were parting ways with family."
The Fight to Keep 'Blue Bloods' Alive
Donnie revealed that he and the team did everything possible to keep the show on air. "We really tried everything in our power to make sure Blue Bloods didn’t end," he said. "We wanted to continue telling those stories, to keep the Reagan family alive for the fans who loved them so much. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, it just wasn’t meant to be. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t painful, though. It was a hard pill to swallow."
Read also:Julia Roberts And Danny Moder Are Dreaming Of A New Life In Europe
After 14 years, CBS made the decision to end the show, and while the reasons remain unclear, Donnie and the cast were hopeful until the very last moment. "Even on the final day of filming, there was this lingering hope that maybe the network would change its mind. We all just stood there after the last 'cut,' waiting, hoping someone would step forward and say it was all a joke, that we’d be continuing the journey. But deep down, we knew it was over."
Tom Selleck: The Heart of the Show
For fans, saying goodbye to the Reagan family feels like losing a part of their own lives. One of the standout figures in the series was, of course, Tom Selleck, who played the iconic Frank Reagan. Donnie shared how Tom brought a unique energy to the set, especially during challenging times. "Tom had this incredible ability to step in during tough moments—not just in the show but in the context of what was happening in the world—and deliver a message that really resonated with us," Donnie told Variety. "Sometimes, it wasn’t even his own words. He’d quote something profound, leaving us with food for thought and reminding us of what truly matters. That’s what made the show so special."
When the final "wrap" was called, there was a palpable silence. "We all just waited, hoping for some kind of miracle," Donnie recalled. "It was a moment that felt like time stood still. We knew it was the end, but we weren’t ready to let go."
Donnie's Next Chapter: Hosting 'Very Scary People'
While the curtain has fallen on Blue Bloods, Donnie isn't slowing down. He's already diving into a new project as the host of the upcoming season of Very Scary People. "For season 6, we wanted to shake things up a bit," he told Closer shortly before the Blue Bloods finale aired. "The show is still about the same dark, intriguing topics, but this time around, we’re giving more of a voice to survivors, victims, and their families. It’s all about amplifying the voices of those who’ve been impacted by these horrific events."
Donnie emphasized the importance of balancing storytelling without glorifying the perpetrators. "It’s always been a delicate dance with this show, making sure we don’t elevate the wrong people," he explained. "We want to tell these stories in a way that honors the victims and their families. By giving them a platform to share their experiences, we’re adding a new layer to the show that I think will resonate with viewers. It’s going to be a powerful season, and I’m excited for people to see it."
