The recent update from CBS regarding the Blue Bloods series finale has sparked considerable confusion and dissatisfaction among fans. The cancellation of this beloved police and family drama, which enjoyed immense popularity over 14 successful seasons, was a disappointing turn of events. Despite fervent fan-driven campaigns advocating for its continuation, CBS remained resolute in its decision, officially concluding Blue Bloods in December 2024, and subsequently replacing it with S.W.A.T. in the established timeslot.
Notably, Blue Bloods was among a larger group of CBS shows that met their end in 2025. While the network previously entertained the notion of canceling S.W.A.T., it ultimately made the call to remove the series permanently due to its lackluster performance in the prime slot formerly occupied by Blue Bloods. As the clock winds down, S.W.A.T. has just a handful of episodes left before it exits the programming landscape, and indications suggest CBS is unlikely to reconsider its cancellation decision.
S.W.A.T. as CBS’ New Timeslot Contender
Diverging Audiences: Why S.W.A.T. Struggled
Fridays at 10 PM ET have always posed a challenge for ratings, as many viewers are out exploring the weekend rather than staying home to watch television. However, Blue Bloods consistently thrived in this challenging slot for over a decade, proving that success is achievable during this timespan. When CBS made the decision to cancel this viewer favorite, it left a significant gap in its programming lineup that called for another strong contender. Unfortunately, the choice to have S.W.A.T. fill this void has not paid off as hoped.
The disappointing ratings of S.W.A.T. can be partially attributed to the distinct divergence in the shows’ core audiences. While both are fundamentally police procedurals, the appeal of Blue Bloods lies in its rich family drama, contrasting sharply with S.W.A.T.‘s more conventional procedural format. This fundamental difference meant that longtime Blue Bloods fans were less likely to transition to S.W.A.T., especially in light of the dissatisfaction stemming from the show’s cancellation.
No Two-Hour Finale for Blue Bloods, But S.W.A.T. Receives One
Disappointment Over Finale Format
Despite many aspects of the Blue Bloods series finale being well-executed, a significant disappointment was the absence of a two-hour wrap-up episode. Instead, CBS opted for a retrospective special on November 29, 2024, that honored the show, featuring exclusive interviews with cast members, behind-the-scenes insights, and a sneak peek into the final episodes. Following that, fans received a standard episode and then a one-hour finale on December 13, 2024.
This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering CBS’s current plans to air a two-hour finale for S.W.A.T. (as reported by Deadline), which allows for comprehensive storytelling by accommodating a robust wrap-up of both ongoing cases and character arcs. Given that CBS frequently shifts its scheduling to accommodate such special events, it leads to speculation that a similar plan could have been executed for Blue Bloods if the network had wished to extend the show’s farewell more thoughtfully.
Enhancing the Blue Bloods Finale with an Extended Format
Rushed Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
The series finale of Blue Bloods left an open-ended impression, suggesting it could have served effectively as a season finale if CBS had reversed its cancellation decision. The episode concluded with notable character developments, including Danny’s proposition to Baez and Erin’s decision to remarry Jack, alongside Jamie and Eddie’s announcement of expecting their first child. Additionally, Joe’s storyline wrapped nicely when he expressed his pride in the Reagan family legacy.
While these touching moments conveyed a sense of continuity for the Reagan family, the finale felt more like an epilogue rather than a carefully orchestrated culmination. A two-hour finale could have afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into character relationships and enhance the timeline of key moments, providing an improved tribute to a series that has resonated with so many. The rich tapestry of familial bonds inherent in Blue Bloods warranted a more expansive exploration, offering fans the closure they deserved.
For further insights, check out the source: Deadline.
Interested in staying updated on the latest developments in primetime television? Sign up for Screen Rant’s weekly Network TV newsletter and get exclusive insights from your favorite series’ actors and showrunners.
SIGN UP