Blue Bloods is ending in December 2024, but there are several potential spinoff ideas that would allow the show to live on. The Tom Selleck-led police procedural is still one of CBS’ highest-rated shows despite its cancelation because of its unique blend of family and police drama. For the past fourteen seasons, Blue Bloods has attracted a dedicated fan base through stories that emphasize the characters’ family ties, Catholic faith, and support of police as an institution, and the news of its cancelation has been met with fan-led protests to save Blue Bloods.
Those fans who are not ready to say goodbye have been joined by many of the actors, notably Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, but CBS confirmed that Blue Bloods has been canceled when it shared its 2024-25 schedule. There is a slim hope that CBS will change its mind, but it is likely that the series will end as planned. However, Blue Bloods could still live on in a different manner if CBS authorizes a spinoff. Here are ten ideas for spinoffs that could keep Blue Bloods’ legacy intact after the series airs its final episode.
A Blue Bloods Prequel About Frank’s Earlier Life
This Idea Would Preserve the Focus on Family Values
Prequel series can become bona fide hits if done correctly, and there are many unanswered questions about Frank’s past that could be addressed in a prequel. When Blue Bloods began, Frank was already a widower whose retired father was living with him. A prequel could focus on a younger Frank who was working as a cop and spending what little time he had off from work with his wife and five children.
This series would be able to keep many of the elements that make Blue Bloods popular, such as blending crime stories and family drama, while also offering insight into what Frank was like as a younger man and introduce characters that died before the series began. It could also develop storylines that are closely tied to the main series, such as the story of how Danny and Linda first met or how Erin tried to be a mother to the younger boys, as Jamie recently mentioned in Blue Bloods.
Pops Tells War Stories
This Prequel Series Could Be Narrated By Len Cariou
Henry Reagan is the oldest living member of the Reagan clan, and he loves telling stories about the past. So why not have a series in which Henry narrates each episode and it revolves around the younger Henry’s work and family life? This spinoff could tell the story of how Henry became the PC and of the things he saw on the streets that shaped his worldview.
This spinoff might be tricky to pull off because Henry worked as a cop at a time when police had far more leeway to treat suspects however they liked. However, if it was made clear that this was a historical story and that Henry was shaped by the experiences he had as a cop, it might still work. A spinoff about Henry’s past could pay tribute to the character and provide a different perspective on the Reagan family.
A Next-Generation Series Starring Sean
Sean Could Become a Cop and Continue Many Blue Bloods Traditions
Most of the younger cast has moved on to other projects. Sami Gayle (Nicky) and Tony Terraciano (Jack Reagan) left after season 10 and are busy with other commitments, so it would be difficult to create a spinoff that features all of the next generation of Reagans. However, Sean has remained in Blue Bloods and might be able to carry a spinoff. One thing that should happen on Blue Bloods before it ends is Sean deciding to become a cop like his dad, which would open the door for a possible spinoff.
If Sean were to become a cop, the new spinoff could revolve around all aspects of his life. Sean could be dating and actively hoping to start a family of his own while finding his footing as a cop. The spinoff could jump a few years into the future and have Sean be the one hosting family dinners or working under a different commissioner, implying that Frank has retired. Danny or Frank could appear occasionally but not full-time, which would make this new series cheaper to produce while also keeping the family values that are central to Blue Bloods’ success.
A Blue Bloods Spinoff Revolving Around Jamie and Eddie
The Two Haven’t Shared Enough Screen Time Since Their Wedding
Jamie is popular with a segment of the fanbase because of his sensitivity, quiet demeanor, and desire to make a difference. He and Eddie are the only married couple now that Linda has died. Those fans who love this couple and were disappointed that their wedding wasn’t the singular focus of its episode would enjoy a spinoff dedicated to them. The spinoff would focus mostly on the couple, making up for the lack of screentime on Blue Bloods since their wedding.
This spinoff idea would center around Jamie and Eddie as a married couple navigating the complexities of working as cops in different departments. Stories could center around how they handle conflicts at work but still come together as a couple at home, especially if they have a baby either prior to or during the first season. As with the Sean spinoff idea, Jamie’s family could still be an occasional part of the show without appearing on-screen every episode.
Blue Bloods’ Maria Baez Gets Her Own Show
Danny’s Partner Isn’t Featured Enough in Blue Bloods Season 14
Maria Baez is in the background far too often on Blue Bloods. Her closeness to Danny has led to a certain segment of the fanbase hoping for these two to get together romantically, but during season 14 she has made fewer appearances than in the past. Her home life after adopting a baby is also rarely featured, other than twice when Danny had to protect her from a perp she put away who was seeking revenge after release from jail. Baez is an interesting character who has been underdeveloped, making her a perfect choice to lead a spinoff.
Creating a spinoff focused primarily on Baez’s life would fill in some blanks about her life outside of being Danny’s partner. She could still go to work with Danny, which would keep one original Blue Bloods character in the new spinoff, while also having to balance her work obligations with Elana’s needs and with whatever else is going on in her personal life. This spinoff could also continue the will-they-wont-they nature of her relationship with Danny or develop their relationship further if they get together before Blue Bloods ends.
A Spinoff Featuring Abigail and Her Family
Abigail Baker Has Gone From Minor Character to Trusted Member of Frank’s Team
Abigail Baker is one of the least developed characters, but that’s changed in recent years. Abigail often acts as Frank’s receptionist, introducing visitors and scheduling meetings, and for a while that was most of her role on the show. She has a husband who has had problems and from whom she’s currently separated, and Abigail is a cop herself in addition to working in Frank’s office. In season 14, she seemed to become a close confidante who is unafraid of challenging Frank when she thinks he’s wrong, but comparatively little is known about her as a person even with these revelations.
A spinoff could provide additional insight into this character. Abigail could deal with problems on the homefront, have friends she confides in outside of work, or have ambitions of her own beyond what she does in Frank’s office. If Frank retires, Abigail could get a promotion or become Blue Bloods unlikely replacement commissioner before the series finale. These changes could become a backdoor pilot for a fascinating spinoff series featuring Abigail that would be tangentially related to the original series.
Joe Hill Becomes a Leading Character
The Secret Reagan Son Could Get His Own Series
Joe Hill (Will Hochman) came into the Reagans’s lives at the end of season 11. His mother’s decision to keep it secret that his father was the late Joe Reagan has caused a lot of trouble over the years. After Joe found out he was a Reagan, he didn’t want anything to do with his new family and has finally begun to accept them, but doesn’t always get along with them. However, most of his clashes with Jamie have to do with his role as an undercover officer, which makes him strong enough a character to carry a spinoff series.
A spinoff could focus on Joe’s job, featuring him working on different cases every week. The Reagans would likely not be a big part of this spinoff idea, but the series could make up for that by featuring Joe’s relationship with his mother. This might make her more sympathetic a character than she was on Blue Bloods as well as preserve the focus on family that is part of the Blue Bloods brand.
Erin and Jack On Opposite Sides of A Legal Drama
Erin’s Ex-Husband Is a Defense Attorney, Leading to Some Interesting Stories
Erin Reagan can be a prickly character, which makes it more difficult to generate interest in a spinoff focused on her. However, her relationship with Jack Boyle could make for some interesting legal drama. This idea would put a new twist on Blue Bloods, as Erin is the only attorney is a family of cops. Rather than being a police/family drama, her series could be a legal drama with some family elements. Erin and Jack’s relationship could be a subplot, with the underlying tension asking the question of whether the two will rekindle a romance outside of the courtroom.
The premise of this spinoff would be that Erin has to put her conflicting feelings about her ex-husband aside to try cases against him or others in his defense firm. The spinoff could also feature occasional cameos by the Reagans, particularly if Danny or Jamie is eager for her to prosecute a case, and Anthony could continue to work as her lead investigator. This spinoff would tell similar stories to Blue Bloods but from a legal perspective rather than a law enforcement perspective.
Danny Gets His Own Show
Frank’s Son Could Continue Working Cases While Pursuing Romance and Dealing With an Empty Nest
Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) is at an interesting place in his life. When the series began, he was a married cop with two young children. His wife, Linda, passed away between seasons 7 and 8, and now one of his sons is away at college while the other is still in the area but is soon to graduate and begin adult life. Danny is therefore soon to be dealing with an empty nest, which could make for an interesting spinoff.
This spinoff would focus on Danny both as a cop and as a man who is adjusting to the change in his family circumstances. Danny could explore dating again after Linda’s death while continuing to work homicides. He could also consider what his next career move should be. Frank and Henry (Len Cariou) could be occasional visitors to the series who offer advice and support as Danny tries to figure out his next chapter. This spinoff would tell a compelling story and allow Wahlberg to continue playing Danny Reagan for years to come.
A Blue Bloods Spinoff Featuring the Same Premise But A Different Family
An All-New Cast Could Save Costs While Maintaining Family Values
The basic premise of Blue Bloods could easily transfer to a new show featuring a different cop family. This family could also have a tradition of new generations joining the force but eliminate the idea of the commissioner being part of the family. Frank could still be the commissioner, while this other family has to deal with his decisions. This show would be tangentially related to Blue Bloods and would keep the family values and respect for law enforcement aspects of the original series alive.
A sister series like this might upset those Blue Bloods fans who want more of the Reagans, but since it would keep the show’s basic themes intact, it could become popular in its own right. It also would provide a fresh perspective. This spinoff could focus on a rank-and-file family whose livelihoods are affected by the decisions Frank makes, which would provide a counterpoint to Frank’s point of view from the original series.