“Blue Bloods” star Donnie Wahlberg expressed that the cast did everything they could to save the beloved series after 14 seasons. The drama, which has captured the hearts of many viewers, aired its final episode on a reflective Friday night.
“I find myself reminiscing about the last moments we all shared together. When we wrapped up filming a scene, the entire crew gathered inside the Reagan house. A couple of hundred people stood in a silent circle, the weight of it all settling in. Everyone was hesitant to speak,” Wahlberg recalled.
“The moment we heard ‘cut,’ an uneasy stillness enveloped us. It was as if we were anticipating someone to break the silence with a hopeful proclamation that we’d be back to film more episodes or perhaps someone would just say what we were all feeling. We all knew, though, that once one person started to talk, emotions would spill over,” he added, highlighting the deep bond formed over the years.
Wahlberg shared that years of working with the New York City crew left an indelible mark on him. “It was painful to understand that despite our efforts to continue, we ultimately couldn’t,” he noted. “As a cast, we tried everything within our power to prolong the show.”
“I felt sad. Like, we tried to keep the show going. We tried to help the show carry on, and we couldn’t. We couldn’t do it. You know, we did everything we could, everything in our power, to have the show carry on.”
Wahlberg continued, “Processing the end was challenging. There was this ongoing belief that we could somehow just keep it alive. When the finale came, reality struck like a harsh winter wind, leaving us with regretful thoughts of how a few more years together could have changed things.”
His affection for the crew resonated deeply. “We became a family, tied together not just through our performances, but through the everyday lives we shared,” Wahlberg explained. “Daily, I witnessed the dedication of countless New Yorkers, people with families reliant on their careers in the industry. To realize that this fabric was now coming apart was simply heartbreaking.”
Wahlberg reflected on his time on the show, expressing his commitment to representing the city of New York and the NYPD with authenticity over the fourteen years. He stated, “I understand that on the outside, it may seem unusual, seeing actors become teary-eyed over a show ending. But for us, it transcended mere acting. We built a hard-won family, and parting ways was profoundly emotional.”
The CBS finale, aired on December 13, featured standout performances from not only Wahlberg but also Tom Selleck, Will Estes, and Bridget Moynahan—each an integral part of the series’ success.
Throughout those years, Wahlberg treasured his moments with Selleck, fondly recalling their playful exchanges, primarily referring to Selleck as “dad.” The most poignant memory for him was when Selleck surprised him by calling him “son” for the first time. “I was in my dressing room, and there he was, casually walking past after a long day of shooting. He simply said, ‘Hey, son,’ and continued on. It was such an unexpected moment that it solidified our bond,” Wahlberg shared.
On social media, Wahlberg penned a heartfelt message to Selleck. “Fourteen years alongside you—my cast mate, my commissioner, my mentor. It’s been a privilege. Your guiding hand has always been a source of strength for us all at the Blue Bloods set. While this chapter may close, the affection and memories will always remain. Happy Blue Bloods Finale Friday,” he wrote, reminiscing about their special connection.
As “Blue Bloods” reaches its conclusion, pride swells inside Wahlberg as he transitions to hosting the true-crime series, “Very Scary People,” on Investigation Discovery.
“This new season will present raw, unfiltered accounts from those involved in each case, including emotional stories that will resonate on a deeply personal level,” Wahlberg expressed, aiming to bring a heartfelt narrative to the series.
Describing the essence of “Very Scary People,” he stated, “We will unpack stories of individuals whose malevolent actions haunted their communities. Each episode will trace these disturbing narratives, from their inception to the resolution of justice.”
“Very Scary People” is set to premiere on ID on December 15 at 9 p.m. ET, transitioning Wahlberg into an exciting new chapter filled with storytelling that reflects both chilling realities and human resilience.
