A new report underlines thatBlue Bloodsseason 14 drew stronger ratings than the show that will replace it in the timeslot. After a run that lasted for well over a decade, with a total of 293 episodes,Blue Bloodsseason 14 signed offin December. The police procedural’s last run has proven to be a lightning rod, not for any particular storyline decision, but more so for the fact that CBS decided to end the popular drama despite its consistently strong performance with viewers.
TVLinelooked at the top-rated shows on broadcast television midway through the 2024-2025 TV season.Blue Bloodsseason 14 came in sixth, emerging as the broadcast’s fourth most-watched drama.Including the Live+7 numbers, which account for ratings across seven days, season 14 drew an average of 7.9 million viewers. The final season drew 0.46 in the key 18-49 demographic. Overall, itranks sixth among all the shows (scripted and reality) aired by CBS.
As forS.W.A.T.season 8, which will take over the formerBlue Bloods10 PM ET timeslot when it returns on Friday, January 31, itcomes in at #16 of all the programs aired by CBS. It drew an average of 5.6 million viewers, accounting for Live+7, and 0.47 in the key demographic. The list was topped byTrackerseason 2, which is the most-watched scripted series on broadcast TV, followed by Kathy Bates’Matlockreboot. The third program was the long-running news program60 Minutes.
What The Ratings Difference Means For Blue Bloods
The Show’s End Follows A Trend
According to reporting,season 14 was in doubt initially. But the series was able to move forward and get some semblance of closure when theBlue Bloodscastand producers agreed to a reduction in salary that would keep the show’s large crew employed and help give the series a proper send-off. The situation speaks to the fact that series cost more as they age, due to pay increases for the actors and crew.
Because of shifting viewership habits and a decline in advertising revenue, network and studios have been looking for ways to reduce costs. In many cases, that has meant giving up on veteran shows even in cases where the ratings are strong.Young Sheldon(CBS),The Good Doctor(ABC), and9-1-1: Lone Star (FOX) are among the hits that have ended or will soon end, partly because of the approach of lowering costs.
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic
Blue Bloods' Finale Is So Understated & That’s Perfect
Blue Bloods' series finale was quieter than expected, yet the understated ending worked perfectly to wrap up the iconic police family drama.
Each case is different.Young Sheldon’s creators have said, for instance, that the series reached a natural end. But at the same time, the comedy’s actors have expressed their surprise that such a successful series is not getting the chance to continue further.S.W.A.T.is no different, having been cancelled twice. It was brought back after discussions on reducing the budget, which has meant the exit of important main cast members and new cast additions. As of this writing,S.W.A.T.season 9is not confirmed.
Our Take On Blue Bloods Ending With Season 14
There could have been a universe whereBlue Bloodsseason 15 happened. But likeS.W.A.T., it might have featured big exits in the cast and changes to the central dynamic. It might be a blessing, in a way, that the CBS series was able to say goodbye with the Reagan family all together and gathered around a dinner table.
Blue Bloods
Cast
Blue Bloods is a television drama series that follows the Reagan family, a family of law enforcement officers in New York City. Led by Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, the series explores familial and professional dynamics as they navigate police work and politics, guided by their patriarch, the former Chief, Henry Reagan.
