Blue Bloods Finale Hits Ratings High Amid CBS Cancellation…
After 14 seasons, CBS’s beloved police procedural Blue Bloods has officially come to an end with its series finale, “End of Tour.” The show, which has consistently connected with audiences since its debut in 2010, proved it could still draw a crowd, going out on a high note with impressive ratings that reaffirm its enduring appeal.
According to VideoAmp data, “End of Tour” drew a massive 6.68 million viewers, marking a 15% increase compared to the prior season finale. This is especially significant for a show in its 14th season, demonstrating that Blue Bloods maintained its audience loyalty while surpassing other dramas in the same time slot. For comparison, Fire Country, one of CBS’s newer scripted series, managed 4.54 million viewers on the same night.
The finale aired on December 13 and delivered a satisfying conclusion for fans. In “End of Tour,” the Reagan family faced their most challenging case yet, as the gangs of New York united to demand amnesty for imprisoned members, threatening mayhem across the city. With all hands on deck, the episode served as a culmination of the Reagan family’s dedication to justice, offering an emotionally resonant and action-packed sendoff.
While the show’s steady ratings success could easily warrant continuation, CBS opted to end the series, a decision that has puzzled fans and cast members alike. Tom Selleck, the face of the series and its patriarch Frank Reagan, expressed his confusion over the network’s choice. Speaking to Variety, Selleck pointed out that Blue Bloods defied industry trends, consistently delivering strong numbers despite minimal promotion compared to newer CBS properties like Fire Country.
“Imagine if you told CBS when we started in 2010, ‘Here’s a show you can program on your worst time slot. You don’t have to promote it, and it’ll win the night for 15 years,’” Selleck remarked. “That’s pretty neat!”
Indeed, the series remained a Friday night staple, drawing a loyal audience even in a notoriously difficult time slot. VideoAmp also noted that the numbers for “End of Tour” are still accumulating, with projections suggesting the total audience could reach as high as 11.94 million within the first seven days. The final episodes of the season also saw notable gains, with the November 29 and December 6 episodes increasing 11% in viewership and the finale adding another 6%.
Given these numbers, the appetite for Blue Bloods has never been stronger. Fans and cast members alike have expressed hope for the franchise’s future, with rumors swirling about a possible spinoff. Selleck and others have hinted that CBS may be missing an opportunity by ending the show without exploring other avenues.
For now, Blue Bloods has concluded its impressive run, but its impact on viewers and the television landscape endures. Whether through reruns, streaming on Paramount+, or a potential spinoff, it’s clear that the Reagan family’s legacy will live on.
