When it comes to certain iconic movie characters, it’s hard to imagine any other actor in that role. Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, Robin Williams as the Genie, and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark are some examples that come to mind. Of course, one of the most universally agreed on is Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, but a key fact is that Tom Selleck had the part before Ford was even a consideration. Raiders of the Lost Ark director Steven Spielberg recently explained why Selleck had to drop one of the biggest movies of the ‘80s, and how they eventually landed on Ford.

Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day, may be premiering this month as part of the 2026 movie schedule, but he recently threw it back to the early movies of his career in a conversation with Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, for their podcast, IMO. Obama asked the Jurassic Park director about his biggest casting karma (or the actors that got away). Harrison Ford has jokingly in the past thanked Selleck for dropping out of Indiana Jones, but Spielberg revealed that wasn’t exactly what happened:

Spielberg told his hosts how good Selleck’s screen test was, so it doesn’t surprise me that the Blue Bloods actor had two era-defining projects fighting over him. Selleck previously discussed his frustration and disappointment in being forced out of Indiana Jones, even though Magnum P.I. ended up being huge for his career.

I mean, speaking of perfect casting, can you imagine any other mustached man wearing that iconic Hawaiian shirt? The Saving Private Ryan director revealed he would have had Selleck shave the iconic stache to play the legendary whip-cracking archaeologist.

Regardless, Selleck’s CBS contract left George Lucas, who created Indiana Jones, and Spielberg back at square one, but it decidedly was the perfect twist of fate. Around the same time, The Fablemans director went to a private pre-screening of The Empire Strikes Back, where he apparently found the man fated to wear the iconic fedora. As Spielberg recalled:

It’s the age-old question when it comes to Harrison Ford’s iconic roles: who’s better, Han Solo or Indiana Jones? I’m sure Lucas was considering the chances of Indiana Jones stealing away his fan-favorite Star Wars renegade but, eventually, he must have decided Ford could handle both franchises, and thank God he did. Spielberg said with Lucas’ blessing, it was pretty much a done deal:

Ford reflected on getting that call from Lucas, with a little more urgency than Spielberg let on. The Blade Runner actor said Lucas called him to let him know he was sending a script over, and asked Ford to read it in an hour. Presumably, based on Spielberg's comments, Lucas called the Spielberg the same day, telling him Ford was accepting the role as Indy.

It almost sounds like Lucas made the decision for the Air Force One actor but, if George Lucas told me to take a movie role, he wouldn’t need to say it twice. In hindsight, it was probably the second best decision Ford ever made, after agreeing to play Han Solo, and the Patriot Games actor has credited Lucas for his early career before.

To be clear, I wholeheartedly trust Steven Spielberg and have no doubt Tom Selleck would have made a great whip-slinging, Nazi-fighting adventurer. However, it wouldn’t be the Indy we’ve come to know and love. Harrison Ford brought a certain scrappy charm to the character, a quality he showed in Han Solo and carried over throughout the entire Indiana Jones franchise. On that note, can relive all Indy’s best adventures with a Disney+ subscription.

Boston Blue's first season ended just a week ago on the 2026 TV schedule, and I'm already eager for the show to return for Season 2 later this year. Via this Blue Bloods spinoff, fans were reacquainted with Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan and were even treated to some other fan-favorite characters throughout the season. The big question, however, is whether or not Tom Selleck will ever reprise Frank Reagan, and I'm pleased that yet another update has been shared regarding the possibility.

Selleck and Wahlberg seem to be on different pages when it comes to the former potentially appearing on Boston. Wahlberg previously shared that he’d been talking to his on-screen dad, who had been supportive. However, Selleck previously said he doesn’t know whether he would do the show or not. In the latest update, Wahlberg’s new on-screen partner, Sonequa Martin-Green, told Woman’s World that they had indeed been in talks with Selleck for quite some time, but there’s just one condition he has:

Selleck was very vocal about Blue Bloods’ cancellation and not wanting to say goodbye to Frank. So it's understandable that he'd jump at the chance to return to the franchise, in whatever capacity. That being said, I also get that he'd want any story in which Frank is involved to make sense. At the very least, I'm pleased that both sides are at least hashing out details by the sounds of it.

Of course, Selleck’s potential appearance aside, it’s been fun to see other Blue Bloods characters show up, and I can only imagine how that will continue into the second season. Martin-Green shared her excitement over having franchise veterans on Boston Blue and, while she would love it if anyone were to appear, she doubled down on the Magnum P.I. icon:

So far, Boston Blue seen several Blue Bloods characters reunite with Danny and Sean Reagan (now played by Mika Amonsen). Bridget Moynahan and Lou Cariou have both appeared in the first season, reprising their roles as Erin and Henry Reagan, respectively. Even Danny's better-half, Maria Baez (played once again by Marisa Ramirez), recurred throughout the season. There have been some name-drops for the rest of the family and, with Boston Blue returning for Season 2, I'm optimistic that a number of them will actually reappear on screen.

Above all though, I would love nothing more than to have Frank Reagan pop up in Boston for whatever reason, or for Danny to take a trip to New York. Whether or not that will ever happen remains to be seen, but this update definitely gives me the feeling we’re getting closer to it becoming a reality. All the while, Selleck has been landing a few gigs since Blue Bloods ended in 2024, and he recently booked a new show on The HISTORY Channel. Some scheduling challenges may or may not impact Selleck's reprisal of Frank, but let's just remain optimistic about it happening.

Check out Blue Bloods and Boston Blue with a Paramount+ subscription in the meantime.

Ever since Blue Bloods ended, fans had been wondering what would be next for Tom Selleck. The actor, who turned 81 in January, has seemingly put the series in his rearview mirror as he has yet to appear on offshoot Boston Blue, but he doesn’t seem to be putting the industry behind him just yet. Selleck has landed a new gig following Blue Bloods, and it’s actually a pretty perfect follow-up.

The HISTORY Channel is moving forward with a new non-fiction series hosted, narrated, and executive produced by Selleck. Produced by A+E Factual Studios group, Crime and Justice with Tom Selleck (working title) will consist of 10 hour-long episodes. The series examines the true stories behind some of the most “consequential crimes and investigations” in American history. In a statement, Selleck shared:

This kind of project definitely tracks with what's known about Selleck. He seems to have an affinity for stories about the pursuit of justice, given his starring roles in Magnum P.I. and Blue Bloods. Of course, now, he's dealing with true stories, rather than scripted tales. That's not to say that those narrative drama storylines iare bad, because they're certainly entertaining. Still, I like the idea of the seasoned actor taking on a project in which he can shed light on real-life situations. Per A+E, the logline for Crime and Justice reads:

As of now, it’s unknown when the series will premiere but, hopefully, those details come soon. While I'd still love to see Selleck play Frank Reagan, I'll be content with seeing Selleck (and that mustache) on TV in any form. In addition to Crime and Justice, Selleck is also set to narrate the upcoming documentary Revolutionary America, which will have a limited run in theaters beginning on Sunday. It's been rumored that he might also be returning as Jesse Stone, but concrete information on that front has not been shared.

Meanwhile, as Boston Blue prepares to head into its second season this fall, fans are getting more anxious about seeing more Blue Bloods stars on the show. The first season of the Donnie Wahlberg-led offshoot brought on a few fan-favorites, but Selleck’s potential return is still up in the air. Wahlberg and Selleck seem to be on different pages when it comes to the return of Frank Reagan, but I'm still keeping the faith that it'll happen.

For those who are itching to see Selleck on their screens again and don’t want to wait for Crime and Justice with Tom Selleck, all seasons of Blue Bloods are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. And keep your eyes peeled for more information on Crime and Justice.

Mild spoilers for anyone who hasn’t yet watched Boston Blue’s latest episode airing on CBS or streaming via Paramount+ subscription.

To the surprise of presumably no one, Boston Blue has become a steady hit for CBS and earned its Season 2 renewal even before its midseason finale aired. With only three episodes left to go before Season 1 bows out of the 2026 TV schedule, the drama gave Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan a big reunion with former Blue Bloods co-star Bridget Moynihan, who popped in for her second appearance as Erin before taking Danny to the Reagans’ time-honored family dinners. Still no Frank, though.

Ever since Boston Blue came into existence, fans of the flagship procedural have optimistically wondered whether or not Tom Selleck will appear, with many no doubt assuming that it’ll happen, given how close this fictional family is. As far as the stars themselves go, it sounds like Wahlberg and Selleck aren’t quite yet on the same page.

Donnie Wahlberg Recently Voiced His Hopes About Bringing Frank Reagan Back

When speaking with US Weekly about all things Boston Blue at the CBS Fest event, Wahlberg addressed the possibility of seeing Selleck back in a suit and tie as Frank Reagan, and he definitely makes it sound like more of a "when" and not an "if" situation. In his words:

Unless the Boston Blue creative team pulled out an all-time great surprise when filming its Season 1 finale, I can only assume none of the scripts written thus far were crafted specifically to get Frank and Danny in the same room again. Or even for a phone call, though I wonder if that kind of appearance would be too slight.

Even if it won't be the Magnum P.I. vet back behind one desk or another, Donnie Wahlberg teased we'll see more family than just Erin before the summer hiatus. As he put it:

If all it takes is the right timing, then here's hoping Boston Blue showrunners Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier have the perfect idea in mind, and that they're paying attention to what Selleck has on his future docket. I mean, assuming that really is all it would take.

But Wait, Not So Fast

The last time Tom Selleck's comments about Boston Blue spread around, he wasn't exactly frothing at the mouth to reprise his longest-held role for the spinoff. Not out of spite or anything so negative, but in the interest of not cheapening the character's legacy. As he put it at the time:

By all means, if Tom Selleck wanted to reprise his beloved Friends role of Richard Burke for a standalone series focusing on that character, bring it on. (Hopefully it wouldn't be as hard on his nerves as the original run was.) That's not all that realistic, of course, but I see nothing wrong with the actor leaning more into comedy with his at least one of his next projects.

Still, even if he's not meant to carry Frank Reagan's flag for the rest of his days, Selleck may very well one day be convinced to join his former TV family members anew for Boston Blue Season 2, where we'll also get to see more from Marisa Ramirez’s Maria Baez.

With three episodes left to go in its freshman season, Boston Blue airs Friday nights on CBS at 10:00 p.m. ET.

It’s been over a year since Blue Bloods came to an end, but the franchise is still going strong. Donnie Wahlberg’s new offshoot, Boston Blue, premiered in October and is plotting a return on the 2026 TV schedule next month. Additionally, the series has already been renewed for Season 2 and has seen a couple of fan-favorite Blue Bloods characters returning. Whether or not Tom Selleck could ever return as Frank Reagan remains to be seen, but an insider is speaking out about his alleged feelings about the new show.

When Blue Bloods was canceled, Selleck was vocal about his opinion on the series ending. He shared his frustrations about the cancellation, noting he wasn’t’ ready to say goodbye to Frank Reagan, and even had some ideas as to how Frank could return in the future. So seeing Blue Bloods continue with a new show starring his on-screen son can’t be easy, as a source claimed to Globe Magazine:

Considering how open Selleck was about Blue Bloods ending, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is hurt over Boston Blue. In November, he opened up about how the cancellation was a disappointment and how steady Blue Bloods had been on CBS. As for appearing on Boston Blue, he said he didn’t know, pointing out that he can’t keep playing Frank Reagan forever, so it’s possible he’s coming to terms with the fact that that part of his life is over.

That being said, just because Frank Reagan might not be coming back for Boston Blue doesn’t mean that Tom Selleck isn’t coming back to acting. The Magnum P.I. star has made it clear that he’s not ready to retire, even at 80 years old. In fact, he’s officially switched talent agencies, going from CAA to UTA. Perhaps a new chapter will be starting soon for him, as the source alleged:

Since Boston Blue is coming back for another season, there are still plenty of chances for Selleck to appear, should he ever change his reported opinion. Donnie Wahlberg even previously shared that they were trying to do something. If anything, it doesn’t look like Selleck plans on stepping away from acting any time soon, so he could be lining up some new projects in the future, even if it’s not Boston Blue.

Speculation will likely continue about Selleck’s feelings about Boston Blue until it’s officially confirmed or denied that he’s returning. At the very least, those with a Paramount+ subscription can watch all 14 seasons of Blue Bloods now if they need to get their Frank Reagan fix. Boston Blue, meanwhile, returns on Friday, February 27, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

Boston Blue has been airing on the 2025 TV schedule for about a month now, giving fans an expansion of the Blue Bloods universe. The series, which sees Donnie Wahlberg’s Detective Danny Reagan taking a job with the Boston PD to stay more connected to his youngest son, Sean, who is a rookie cop, has already brought in some other fan-favorite Blue Bloods actors, such as Bridget Moynahan and Marisa Ramirez. Now Tom Selleck is speaking out about everything.

After Blue Bloods was announced to be ending after Season 14, Selleck championed for the show’s uncancellation. He was very vocal about the frustrating cancellation and not wanting to say goodbye to Frank Reagan. And with Blue Bloods approaching the one-year anniversary of the finale, Selleck is still not over it, especially since it went out on a high note. He told Hour Detroit:

Blue Bloods was consistently a top show on Friday nights and was steady in its 10 p.m. ET slot despite that usually being a death slot for most shows. It was a surprise when CBS announced its cancellation, especially since no one was expecting it. Many fans were upset over it, and much of the cast, aside from Selleck, were upset as well.

So when Boston Blue was announced, it was a pleasant surprise. But as of now, Selleck isn’t too sure if Frank will make a return:

Wahlberg previously opened up about Selleck’s possible return, noting that there are ideas floating around. It does sound like Selleck would possibly be open to it, and since he was pretty vocal about wanting to keep playing Frank, it would make sense for him to make a return to the role, no matter how brief. That being said, it also sounds like some time away from the world of Blue Bloods has given him a new perspective on his career, and he doesn’t want to be tied down.

I would love nothing more than to see Frank Reagan back in action and seeing how he’s doing. Of course, he has been name-dropped on a few occasions already, but actually seeing him would be even better. The show is still early in its run, so there is still plenty of time to make it happen. But now that it’s in Selleck’s periphery, I’d much rather it happen sooner than later.

In the meantime, Boston Blue is still pumping out some pretty great episodes with some pretty great appearances. Marisa Ramirez is set to return as Maria Baez once again in an upcoming episode, and it’s only a matter of time before someone else from Blue Bloods makes a return. New episodes of Boston Blue air on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

From putting on (or losing) a large amount of weight to changing the way they speak to living in isolation for months, some of Hollywood’s best have gone to great lengths to get ready for a role. While Tom Selleck’s preparation for his 1992 sports comedy, Mr. Baseball, wasn’t nearly as extreme, the lengths the Magnum P.I. star took to play a former World Series MVP properly are remarkable nonetheless.

Back in 1991, when Selleck was on top of the world, he took time out of his career to spend spring training with the Detroit Tigers before filming one of my favorite baseball movies. Not only did he travel with the team, practice with the team, and participate in some pranks with major league players, he even took an at-bat against the defending World Series champions….

Tom Selleck Came In As A Pinch-Hitter For The Detroit Tigers In A 1991 Spring Training Game

Shortly before filming Mr. Baseball, a movie that saw Tom Selleck play a washed-up former MLB player trying to get a new lease on life in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, the Hollywood leading man spent spring with his longtime favorite team to get in shape and learn the ins and outs of pro ball.

Though he didn’t get any time in the field or put up enough numbers to get called up to “The Show,” Selleck did enter an April 1991 game as a pitch-hitter. There’s a great video of the entire at-bat, which saw the Three Men and a Baby star foul off a couple of balls before being struck out by Cincinnati Reds reliever Tim Layana and his nasty knuckle-curve. Despite not getting a hit, the actor and former college athlete looked like he belonged in the batter’s box.

Years later, Selleck would tell The Athletic about the experience, saying that while he looked “cool and relaxed” while batting, he was “sweating bullets.” But hey, he did at least make contact, which is no easy feat.

This Wasn’t The First Or Last Time Tom Selleck Played Baseball

Though this was the only time Tom Selleck entered a game (spring training or regular season), it wasn’t the only time he played baseball alongside professional players. During the height of his Magnum, P.I. fame, the actor participated in batting practice with the Detroit Tigers, where he hit a home run over the right field wall at old Tigers Stadium (around 325 feet). In a post-homer interview with WAGA TV, Selleck said he routinely followed his hometown team, even if it was difficult getting box scores or getting the Sporting News on time.

Then, in August 1992, Selleck participated in a Detroit Tigers “old-timers game” at the iconic Tigers Stadium. Though this wasn’t a proper game and isn’t in the record books, the Hollywood star did record a hit. However, the next batter hit into a double play and Selleck was thrown out at second.

Based on how Tom Selleck looked in each of these performances, it’s no surprise that he pulled off his portrayal of Jack Elliott in Mr. Baseball so well. Though the movie has an insanely low Rotten Tomatoes score (only 12% of critics liked it), it’s still worth watching all these years later.

Boston Blue is finally airing as part of the 2025 TV schedule, keeping the Blue Bloods universe alive after that series ended in 2024 after 14 seasons. Donnie Wahlberg reprises his role as Detective Danny Reagan, and there have already been some other fun cameos. Bridget Moynahan returned as Erin Reagan in the premiere, as previously announced, and Marisa Ramirez made a surprise cameo as Maria Baez. Yet would Tom Selleck ever appear on the show? Well, Wahlberg is weighing on whether Frank Reagan might show up.

When Blue Bloods was canceled, Selleck was very vocal about wanting to keep the show running and even proposed a way to keep it going. Despite championing for a BB return, Selleck's on-screen son nabbed the spinoff instead. It was subsequently alleged that Selleck wasn't happy when the offshoot was announced, but Wahlberg told Parade that he’s been in touch with Selleck:

Considering Boston and New York are about four hours away from each other, the notion of Frank or another Reagan family member traveling to the former isn't crazy. If Erin could make the trip to be there to support her brother and her nephew, Frank could surely do the same or vice versa. Most of Danny’s family is still in New York, so it would also make sense for him to take a drive to the Big Apple, but it sounds like the logistics still need to be worked out from a behind-the-scenes standpoint.

Since Selleck didn’t want Blue Bloods to end, I wouldn't be surprised if he were eager to reprise his role as Frank. Of course, there's the matter of how and when. Because Frank is still the NY police commissioner and, given his duties, it could take a major event would have to draw him to Beantown. Of course, it could also be established within the narrative that the hard working public servant is simply taking time off to visit his family in Boston.

Only a few episodes of Boston Blue have aired so far, meaning there is still plenty of time to bring on more Reagans as the season progresses. As a Blue Bloods fan, I'd love to see more OG characters pop in but only if it makes sense. Still, one of these days, it would be great to see an old-fashioned Reagan family dinner again.

While it remains unclear if or when Tom Selleck will play Frank Reagan again, I'm confident that the writers and producers can come up with a storyline to make it happen. In the meantime, stream all 14 seasons of Blue Bloods with a Paramount+ subscription. Also, new episodes of Boston Blue air on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, and they're also streamable on the aforementioned streaming platform.

Even though Blue Bloods ended after 14 seasons last December, the show's characters are still very much alive, thanks to the new spinoff Boston Blue. Donnie Wahlberg will be reprising his role as Detective Danny Reagan when the drama hits the 2025 TV schedule, surrounded by a brand new cast, but I’ve been wondering about the chances of Tom Selleck and other Reagan family members appearing in the new show, and Wahlberg has some comments about it.

Considering how outspoken Selleck was about Blue Bloods’ cancellation and wanting to continue playing Frank Reagan, it was a surprise that a spinoff was ordered, and it didn’t include him. Of course, it’s still as exciting as ever knowing that the series will continue with Boston Blue and Danny Reagan, but what does this mean for the rest of the family? Wahlberg’s previous comments made me optimistic that the Reagan family dinners will continue, and in a new interview with Parade, he’s making me hopeful that the series finale isn’t the last we’ve see of them:

New York City and Boston are about five hours, give or take, so it could be fairly easy to get a surprise visit from another Reagan. Whether Frank wants to check in on his son and see how he’s doing in his new position, Erin randomly drops in on her brother, Jamie and Eddie visiting with baby Reagan, or maybe they can just appear via a video chat. Even if it’s not for long, it sounds like there are plenty of possibilities for the Reagans to make an appearance, regardless of Selleck's reported feelings toward it.

While not a direct spinoff, Boston Blue is still in the Blue Bloods universe and will likely still feel very much like the original show, even without much of the main cast fans have grown attached to over the last 14 years. Wahlberg knows how much the show means to the fans, and how important it is to them and many others:

Along with Martin-Green, the new cast of Boston Blue also consists of Gloria Reuben, Ernie Hudson, Maggie Lawson, and Marcus Scribner, and likely more to be announced soon. It will be hard to watch a Blue Bloods show without most of the Reagans and without the famed Reagan family dinners, but there is still hope that some of them will be returning, and fans will be getting their family dinners again, albeit for one episode, probably.

More information surrounding Boston Blue and potential guest stars should be announced in the coming months. With the show premiering this fall, it’s only just a matter of time before an actual premiere date is revealed. For now, all 14 seasons of Blue Bloods are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

Some actors, no matter how long their career or how great their talent, will forever be first known for one iconic TV role. This isn't an indictment of their careers at all. In fact, in many ways, it tells the whole story. They were so good at one particular role that no matter what, that's what people will think of first. To be sure, these are some of the best actors of their generations ,and they deserve praise for all their roles, but especially these.

Kelsey Grammer - Frasier Crane

For a total of an amazing 20 years, Kelsey Grammer has played Frasier Crane. First on Cheers, then on its spinoff Frasier, and again in the reboot of Frasier in the 2020s. There may be no more obvious actor to include on this list.

Mariska Hargitay - Olivia Benson

Mariska Hargitay is Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Jayne Mansfield, and she's carved out on heck out her own career playing Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has played since the end of the 20th Century, more than 25 seasons in total. There is no other character in prime time history with a longer run than Hargitay's Benson. It's remarkable.

Jessica Walter - Lucille Bluth

The late Jessica Walter had an incredible career, but for many, she'll always be known for one of her final roles, Lucille Bluth on the cult classic Arrested Development. She was so hilarious and quotable that it's easy to see why this is the case.

Peter Falk - Columbo

Peter Falk completely embodied Detective Columbo on the show that carried that character's name. He defined a new kind of TV detective, a style that has been often imitated but never duplicated over the years since Columbo debuted. He was funny and wicked smart. A Holmesian-style detective who never found a dry cleaner.

Tom Selleck - Thomas Magnum

Tom Selleck was a hard one to include here. Thomas Magnum was one of two iconic roles, along with Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods, that Selleck has played in his career. That's not to mention Jesse Stone, another fan-favorite. But in the end, it's all about Magnum P.I., one of the best shows ever.

Lauren Graham - Lorelai Gilmore

Lauren Graham is another tough one here, because Lorelai Gilmore is hardly her only big role on TV, but none of her other shows have been nearly as enduring as Gilmore Girls and that isn't likely to change in the future. It'll always be what her fans think of first.

Lucille Ball - Lucy Ricardo

Lucille Ball was a groundbreaking legend, and that is entirely due to her iconic character Lucy Ricardo on I Love Lucy. The list of what made the show, and the comedic actor, is so long, we could never fill it out here, but she also doesn't really need any explanation. She's the queen of early TV for very good reason, and that can never be taken away.

Peter Dinklage - Tyrion Lannister

Peter Dinklage might not like to hear this... or maybe he would... but Tyrion Lannister is such an amazing role, and Dinklage's performance is completely worthy of such an iconic literary and TV character. Game of Thrones took over the television watching audience completely, and Dinklage's Lannister was almost everyone's favorite. He's done great work all through his long career, but it will be impossible to top Tyrion.

Sean Hayes - Jack McFarland

Jack McFarland from Will & Grace is one of the most underappreciated characters in any sitcom in Hollywood history. Sean Hayes is fantastic in the role, and he'll have people saying "Just Jack!" forever.

Angela Lansbury - Jessica Fletcher

Angela Lansbury had a storied career that lasted decades, and every time she appeared on screen, she lit it up. Jessica Fletcher on Murder She Wrote was her crowning achievement. She's one of the best TV detectives of all time, even if there were way too many murders in Cabot Cove than there should have been.

Henry Winkler - The Fonz

Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli. Fonzie. The Fonz. A character of many names, and one iconic look. Henry Winkler has had a career that most actors can only dream of, but his role on Happy Days will always be what he is first known for. We should all be so cool.

Sarah Michelle Gellar - Buffy Summers

Sarah Michelle Gellar's role in the movie Cruel Intentions may be her most iconic movie role, but it doesn't eclipse her role as Buffy Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Not even close. It'll always be her most beloved role.

James Gandolfini - Tony Soprano

On one hand, it's a shame that James Gandolfini is on this list. His premature death will always have us asking "what if?" On the other hand, he is so freaking GREAT as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, that its impossible not to include him here. Just watching him in anything else, or old interviews, you quickly realize that he completely disappeared into the gangster. It's remarkable.

Gillian Anderson - Dana Scully

Speaking from experience, I can say that many teenagers in the 1990s have a huge crush on Dana Scully on The X-Files. She was smart and capable, but with an air of mystery that really kept viewers guessing, in the best way.

William Shatner - Captain Kirk

Personally, I think William Shatner's best role was on Boston Legal. He was also amaing in TJ Hooker. However, even if he had 1000 legendary roles over his career, he would still be most remember for James T. Kirk in Str Trek. That's how iconic the role, and the show are.

Matthew Perry - Chandler Bing

It was a real tragedy when the world lost Matthew Perry in late 2023. He was a once-in-a-generation talent and, in many ways, was first among equals on Friends. He was in some other great projects, like The Whole Nine Yards and Fools Rush In, but let's be honest, he'll always be Chandler in our hearts.

Amy Poehler - Leslie Knope

Amy Poehler was a star on SNL and in a ton of great movies. However, she was absolutely born to play Leslie Knope on Parks & Rec. It's almost hard to believe she isn't actually Leslie in real life, and that's meant to be the most sincere of compliments.

Michael K. Williams - Omar Little

Of all the amazing characters and actors on The Wire, Omar and Michael K. Williams stand out above them all. He was one of the most honest and complex characters in TV history, and the late Williams, another actor we lost way too soon, will be forever remembered for his portrayal of the Baltimore stick-up man.

George Wendt - Norm Peterson

Cheers had an amazing ensemble of comedic actors, and as a kid, my favorite was always George Wendt and his character Norm. He was the most popular guy in the bar and the most popular with viewers. When Wendt died in 2025, everyone started sharing their favorite moments of his from the show, despite the show ending decades ago.

Mary Tyler Moore - Mary Richards

Mary Tyler Moore made it after all, and all on her own. Her titular show was the highlight of her long, incredible career, and it's a good thing the show was named after her, because she deserves to be remembered forever for it.

Caroll O'Connor - Archie Bunker

Caroll O'Connor's role as Archie Bunker became one of the most iconic and most important in television history. The groundbreaking sitcom, All In The Family, changed TV forever, and Bunker, with his bigotry and chauvinism, reinvented just how much a simple sitcom could say about society.

Rainn Wilson - Dwight Schrute

Of all the characters on The Office, Dwight, played by Rainn Wilson, was the one we all loved to hate the most. It must have been such a fun role for Wilson, because he never phoned it in, and he never let us down; we could count on him driving us nuts every week. I mean that in the very best way.

Wayne Knight - Newman

Wayne Knight has popped up in all kinds of roles in his career. We'll never forget him for his performance in the original Jurassic Park, for example, but it's Newman on Seinfeld that we'll always love him most for. He might not have been a main character, but that is testimony to just how good he was. He's as remembered as the "big four" despite playing a much more limited role. That takes a great actor and an even better performance, and he did over the entire run of the show.

Ian McShane - Al Swearengen

Al Swearengen from Deadwood is one of the best characters of the prestige era of TV. Ian McShane has had a long, distinguished career, and at the top of the list of his great performances is as the foul-mouthed, tavern-owning gangster in the HBO Western.

Danica McKellar - Winnie Cooper

Ask anyone in Gen X about Danica McKellar, and they might mention her Hallmark movies. They might also mention her wonderful guest turn on The West Wing. In the case of both of those, though, they will come after they fondly reminisce about watching her as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. They grew up with Winnie and Kevin (Fred Savage). It was her earliest role, but it remains her most iconic.

Boasting such massive franchises such as NCIS and Survivor, CBS has rarely been synonymous with short-lived series, though the network has made quite a few shocking cancellations across the past year or two, with several of those big shows wrapping up this year.It’s safe to say that 2024’s biggest loss, at least in terms of length and viewership, was Blue Bloods, which the network officially canceled in 2023 before later ordering up a Donnie Wahlberg-starring spinoff.

Since that news first broke, updates about the Boston-set follow-up series have been pretty minimal, and it’s still not 100% confirmed if the working title will remain Boston Blue or not. But Wahlberg himself addressed the upcoming 2025 series in a way that longtime viewers should be pumped about. Because even though he doesn’t specifically mention the beloved Reagan family dinners, it seems pretty clear that’s what he’s referring to.

Speaking with Fox News about trying to convince CBS to give Blue Bloods another season, which is something Tom Selleck struggled with as well, Donnie Wahlberg spoke warmly about not just his co-stars, but also everyone behind the scenes who kept the show afloat from one week to the next, and said they group at large weighed heavily on his mind when approaching the sequel offer. As he put it:

Given how dedicated Wahlberg is to mixing it up with fans both on social media and in the real world — the dude goes above and beyond for New Kids on the Block's fandom in particular — he's definitely conscious of what audiences will expect and hope for whenever Boston Blue arrives this fall. And he knows Danny isn't the only Reagan that fans will be looking out for, especially during episodes' final scenes.

As someone who fought for Blue Bloods' survival, Wahlberg knew how important it was to be tasked with steering the new show in solo mode, and felt it was the right move to say yes. But he then dropped a huge tease indicating he won't be the lone Reagan family member popping up on primetime. In his words:

Now, we probably shouldn't expect the full clan to gather, and the dinner scene in Blue Bloods' series finale was potentially the last time that so many of the O.G. cast members will be seen breaking bread together. But it sounds like there could be some variations to that norm, to allow for the drama's status quo endings to continue relatively unabated.

Perhaps Danny will have one or two family members stopping by from week to week to get a meal in at his new Boston digs. Or maybe Danny will put a bunch of tablets around a dinner table and have the squad pop up via Zoom calls. The options may not be endless, but the expectations that fans will have are indeed unending.

While no exact timeline has been revealed for Boston Blue, the drama will presumably begin filming this summer so that it can make a proper debut on CBS's Fall TV schedule. Stay tuned for more updates, and leave a spot open at the table just in case.

Long before teaming up with Martin Scorsese or getting ready to revive his role as Maui in the upcoming live-action Moana, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was just a kid in Charlotte, North Carolina, watching movies in a packed theater with his head tilted back and his eyes glued to the screen. Now, he’s one of the biggest actors on the 2025 movie schedule and beyond. But it wasn’t all about the glitz and glam. He credits a key moment in his childhood, one that, of course, had to do with Harrison Ford, for setting him on the path to becoming the wrestling legend and blockbuster star with a ton of upcoming movie projects we know today.

In a recent Instagram video, the Jumanji series veteran responded to a fan who asked if he’d always wanted to be an actor. As it turns out, the seed was planted early, thanks to one iconic archaeologist-adventurer: Indiana Jones. Johnson remembered:

The full video, posted to Johnson’s personal account @therock, is classic Rock; part heartfelt, part rambling, and fully entertaining. In it, he also goes on a tangent about Tom Selleck, revealing he’s been listening (twice!) to the actor’s audiobook and was blown away by the story of his involvement, or lack thereof, in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He continued:

Johnson, who has built his career playing charismatic and gritty heroes on the big screen, definitely hasn’t lost touch with the awe that moment gave him. Seeing Harrison Ford whip his way through Raiders of the Lost Ark was a game-changer for him. It wasn’t just an incredible movie moment; as the video below shows, it was actually “the” moment that shaped the life of the Moana star.

It would be years before Johnson stepped into the spotlight in some of the most anticipated upcoming action movies. Still, he credits that early Indy cinematic experience with lighting the fire. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it only takes one movie, one role, or one larger-than-life performance to change everything.

From a front-row kid in Charlotte to global superstardom, the Jungle Cruise star’s journey started with a whip crack, a fedora, and a dream to be “that” guy. As far as movie origin stories go, this one’s pure gold.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is expected to appear next in an upcoming A24 film, a biopic directed by Benny Safdie titled The Smashing Machine, where he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Stay tuned for more updates about everyone’s favorite wrestler turned actor.

Fans of Blue Bloods were bummed when CBS announced that the long-running police drama about the Reagan family was wrapping up for good in late 2024, leaving a big hole in the 2025 TV schedule. The cast, including star Tom Selleck, weren’t thrilled either. It seems that even at 80 years young, Selleck still loves putting in serious time on set.

It’s no surprise that last week, rumors emerged that Selleck could be returning to one of his most beloved characters, Detective Jesse Stone. That is great news, and it has me hoping that another character from author Robert B. Parker could also get a reboot.

Spenser Was Parker’s Main Character

Before Parker died in 2010, he wrote 40 novels about a Boston detective named only “Spenser.” A surname or first name was never given, so it’s up to us to guess which Spenser was. The books have long been a favorite of mine, going all the way back to my teen years. I’ve read all 40 and a 41st, as Parker’s final novel was unfinished at the time of his death at age 78 and later finished by Parker’s agent, Helen Brann.

In contrast, Parker wrote nine Jesse Stone novels. He also had a third character, Sunny Randall, though she has never been adapted. So, Spenser is really Parker’s most important character, and years before Selleck first starred as Jesse Stone in a TV movie, Spenser: For Hire was adapted from the Spenser novels.

Spenser Has Been Adapted A Few Times Before With Mixed Results

Robert Urich starred as Spenser on the ABC show Spenser: For Hire for three seasons in the 1980s. The show was a modest hit for a short time and even led to a continuation spinoff about Hawk, played by Avery Brooks, called A Man Called Hawk. Hawk is also a main character in the books as Spenser’s right-hand man.

Between 1999 and 2001, Joe Mantegna played Spenser in a series of TV movies on A&E, though if I’m honest, those were fairly forgettable, unfortunately. Still, they were better than what happened next when, in 2020, Mark Wahlberg starred in the Netflix original movie, Spenser Confidential.

Spenser Confidential was incredibly disappointing. I and other Spenser fans were excited when the project was announced, but the movie really missed the mark in a lot of ways. For starters, both Spenser and Hawk’s backstories were completely rewritten and had basically nothing to do with the literary counterpoints. Wahlberg wasn’t a good fit for the character at all, and the movie, which opened with Spenser in prison, was completely divorced from the original character.

The enduring popularity of Jesse Stone is clear, and authors Ace Atkins and Mike Lupica have continued the Spenser saga in print, so obviously there is still a real appetite for the popular character. Now is the perfect time for him to return in a series that stays true to the books.

Blue Bloods only wrapped on the TV schedule a few months ago, but the series finale actually filmed a whole lot longer ago, wrapping production in June of 2024. This means Tom Selleck got a nice little break from the Hollywood biz, but now he’s seemingly landed his next TV role, and it’s exactly the project he (And I) hoped it would be.

After CBS announced it was cancelling Blue Bloods literally all the way back in 2023, Selleck was the show’s biggest champion for months. He openly stated he thought the network was making a mistake. He cited the show’s (factually) high ratings as a reason it should stay on the air. All to no avail. The show went out quietly in December of 2024.

While CBS has announced the Reagans will get another chance to shine on TV, a spinoff is in the works about Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan, not Selleck’s Frank Reagan. Which means the mustachioed actor’s schedule is free to return to another one of his fan-favorite characters: Jesse Stone.

What Is Jesse Stone, Anyway?

You maybe remember Jesse Stone. A character Selleck finds near and dear to his own heart, Stone is based on a series of detective novels written by Robert B. Parker. The actor starred in and produced 9 of these movies in the early 2000s, with the last one hitting the TV schedule back in 2015.

Jesse's a kind of dark character who often only has a dog as a companion. He sees the worst side of humanity often. The series takes great pains to show his alcohol use and problems with temperance -- though he's always professional and cuts back while working.

Back when Tom Selleck was contemplating the end of his CBS show, he’d mentioned wanting to reprise Jesse Stone, and I’m glad to see he was serious about it. Honestly, in more recent months, he’d touted wanting to do something like “a western" as his next role. At 80, he's also past retirement age, so I wasn't so sure such an active character as Stone would actually land on his future resume.

The news hasn't officially been confirmed at this juncture, but it's been added to his IMDB page. So while we must take it with a grain of salt, all things are pointing to getting more from the longtime character. Again, this news is not exactly a surprise, but it’s information I would be very pleased to hear more about. A 10th movie has a nice ring to it.

Doubtless the famous Reagan family dinner scenes will be changing with the new spinoff, but I’m interested to know what a Blue Bloods world will be like without a lot of the mainstays that made the property work so well for CBS. It may not be the only CBS property to receive bad news soon either, as we’re keeping a running tally of all the 2025 canceled shows, and network TV’s spring sweeps are on the way soon.

The fact that there are currently no new episodes of Blue Bloods (which ended its 14-season run in 2024) airing during the 2025 TV schedule is tough. Those feelings are only amplified for me now, considering that new Friday 10 p.m. ET slot holder, S.W.A.T., has been canceled (again). Luckily, fans won’t be going long without the Reagans, as a new spinoff starring Donnie Wahlberg. This all came after Tom Selleck was pushing for more BB and, now a new report, features claims about his feelings on the follow-up.

Over the past several months, Tom Selleck has been very vocal about not wanting Blue Bloods to end, and he hoped that CBS would reverse its decision. Ahead of the series finale, he even proposed a way to keep it going, mentioning it could go to streaming and air 10 episodes per season. Selleck did eventually, in some way, get his wish for a franchise expansion but not the way he planned. With that, a source tells RadarOnline that the Frank Reagan actor is supposedly not very happy:

With the new series being set in Boston, the Reagans will indeed be split up, and the notion of that is admittedly a bit weird, given their closeness. That being said, there are only so many storylines to tackle in New York City. Also, much of the cast had ideas for their characters' futures, and some of those included leaving the Big Apple.

These fresh claims regarding Tom Selleck's feelings on the new show and its change of backdrop should be taken with a grain of salt right now. As of this writing, Selleck hasn't formally spoken out about the show. In the aftermath of the veteran actor's open frustration with the parent show's cancellation, the source went on to share more about Selleck allegedly feeling slighted:

Even though Boston Blue will mainly follow Danny, it’s possible that his family will visit him, or he might visit his family. That could potentially open the door for guest appearances from franchise alums, including Tom Selleck's Frank. No other Blue Bloods alums have been confirmed for the spinoff just yet, but the notion of them popping up here and there certainly isn't far-fetched. Plus, if this offshoot is a success, there's also the possibility that it could present opportunities for other spinoffs starring familiar characters.

Whether Tom Selleck truly feels disdain for the spinoff is anyone's guess but, as a fan, I'm hopeful that viewers haven't seen the last of Frank. It's also still exciting that Boston Blue is happening, and I can't wait to hear more about it. In the meantime, you can grab a Paramount+ subscription and stream all 14 seasons of Blue Bloods now.

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s common for characters to pop in and out of different franchises. Just consider the case of Benedict Wong’s Wong, who’s appeared in Doctor Strange movies, Shang-Chi, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and more. It’s been teased that Daredevil: Born Again – which is just about to hit the 2025 TV schedule – will feature appearances from familiar faces. Now, it would seem that a certain mustachioed man will return on the show and, in a Blue Bloods-less TV lineup, I’m pumped about this.

It’s been reported that Born Again will mark the return of Jack Duquesne, who’s played by Tony Dalton. As mentioned by Variety, Dalton first played the character on the holiday-themed series Hawkeye (which is currently available to stream with a Disney+ subscription). Unsurprisingly, specific plot details weren’t divulged in regard to how Duquesne figures into the Man Without Fear’s latest adventures. Nevertheless, the notion of Dalton returning as this delightful character is so sweet.

The comics depict Jack as the Swordsman, a swashbuckler who served as a mentor to Clint Barton in the comics. However, during the events of Hawkeye, Duquesne was introduced as the new fiancé of Eleanor Bishop – the mother of young archer Kate Bishop. Jack’s true allegiances seemed dicey, especially after he made off with Ronin’s (Clint Barton’s) retractable sword and he was framed for the murder of his wealthy uncle, Armand Duquesne III. Yet Jack was later vindicated and joined Kate and Clint in fighting off the Tracksuit mafia.

On one level, I’m just excited about the prospect of getting to see more Tony Dalton on my screen. The actor oozes charisma, and he managed to mix that charm with a more sinister nature when he played Lalo Salamanca on Better Call Saul. What also stands out about the star is his A+ facial hair, as few mustaches can match his. Of course, there is at least one veteran TV actor whose whiskers can.

I’m talking about Tom Selleck, as his finely trimmed ‘stache was on full display during Blue Bloods’ 14-season run on CBS. Ultimately BB was canceled in November 2023, with the final episodes airing in late 2024. Sure, there’s a spinoff starring Donnie Wahlberg on the way, but Selleck doesn’t seem to be involved, as of this writing. Considering the actor’s absence from TV right now, viewers could certainly stand to see another talented actor with a suave mustache grace our screens.

Jack Duquesne isn’t the only MCU alum popping up on Born Again. Another is Mohan Kapur, who’s set to reprise his role as Yusuf Khan from Ms. Marvel and The Marvels. I wouldn’t be surprised if this latest entry on the schedule of upcoming Marvel shows has some other surprises in store as well. But the bulk of the story will seemingly revolve around the exploits of Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), as he continues to fight crime as a vigilante and defend New York from the likes of Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) and more.

I’m hopeful that Daredevil will utilize Duquesne in a way that not only makes sense but doesn’t feel like a glorified cameo. With that, I’d love to see him grab a sword and get in on some action again. Believe me when I say I’ll be looking out for that and will simultaneously be admiring his mustache, which I would imagine will remain intact.

Daredevil: Born Again’s two-episode premiere hits Disney+ on Tuesday, March 4. In the meantime, you can get acquainted with Tony Dalton’s Jack Duquesne by streaming Hawkeye.

How does one even begin to make sense of the fact that 2025 TV schedule won't see any Reagan family dinners aired on CBS? As the world continues to wade through the realities presented by Blue Bloods’ confusing cancellation, one has to wonder what stars like Tom Selleck are going to do now that their work schedules are now much lighter.

When it comes to the case of this TV legend the road is wide open, with some fun possibilities kicked around in conversation. During a sit down with Parade, Selleck talked up what his thoughts are about where to head next. As his post-Blue Bloods life is just beginning, the man gave an update that included his thoughts on Frank Reagan’s potential future. But don't get your hopes up, as he flat out said this in response:

As you can see above, Selleck is open to talking about Blue Bloods’ spinoff potential, if only to confirm that Commissioner Reagan is not a viable avenue for such a continuation. Doubling down on that subject in this same interview, the Magnum P.I. icon admitted that he doesn’t see the NYPD’s top cop retiring to solve small town crimes either.

So those of you Paramount+ subscription holders hoping we’d see Frank setting up shop in a North Jersey suburb, it appears you’re out of luck. While Tom Selleck doesn’t know what’s next, he does have ideas on returning to a genre in which he’s well known for indulging. And as the interviewer also posed the question of whether or not Selleck would want to work with friend and 1883 star Sam Elliot, this pretty clear picture started to emerge:

How does someone like Yellowstone universe creator Taylor Sheridan not read a statement like that and start to dream up how an upcoming Yellowstone show could make it happen? In his property’s expansive roster of heavy hitters, the likes of Billy Bob Thornton, Kevin Costner, and Harrison Ford have also shown up to roam in the wide open spaces of the western frontier.

Landing Tom Selleck would be a coup on its own, especially because the Quigley Down Under star is known for his sterling work in that field. Adding the potential of continuing the 1883 storyline would probably make it all the more appealing to franchise’s fans whose ears have perked up through this mere mention. Especially if Sam Elliot’s Shea Brennan could somehow share the screen with this hypothetical new character, perhaps through the creative usage of flashbacks.

But of course, that’s a hypothetical horse to be saddled up at another time. For now, Selleck’s Tom Reagan is still sitting at that family dinner table waiting for fans to catch up with Blue Bloods’ final season or to start the journey all over again. What happens next may still be a mystery, but at least we know that this venerated television star is ready to find that next gig.

Throughout Blue Bloods’ 14-season run, the CBS procedural’s main focus was always the Reagan family. However, the Blue Bloods cast also consisted of other characters that became fan favorites, from fellow cops to Frank Reagan’s team. This includes Abigail Hawk’s Detective Abigail Baker, Frank’s primary aide. While she grew into a beloved and important character, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, at one point, her character even had a different name. However, Tom Selleck helped change that.

Out of Blue Bloods’ 293 episodes, Hawk appeared in 265 of them, and quite frankly, it’s hard to imagine the show with her in a more minor role. Detective Banks was an important part of the Police Commissioner's squad, and that's, in great part, thanks to Selleck. Speaking to that point, Hawk addressed the fact that her character started with a different name and not much background during a conversation with Starry Mag. However, then Selleck stepped in and helped flesh out her character, as she explained:

Giving Detective Banks not only a full name but an identity and a backstory made it easier to fully flesh out her character and really make her vital to the show. Additionally, Selleck thinking it was important enough for Hawk’s character to have an identity shows how much he cared about the series and the cast as a whole. Considering Abigail Hawk stayed on Blue Bloods for the entire run, this change turned out to be excellent.

That being said, if there were to ever be a spinoff, it’s unlikely Hawk would be involved, as she previously told HELLO! Magazine that if she were to return as her character not long after the CBS show ended it would have to take place in a totally new place and "not" involve the Reagans. However, she also didn't say a flat-out no...

To that point, some stars have opened up about where they want their characters to go after the finale. So, if a spinoff were to happen and focus on an already-established character, it would certainly give them the chance to dig even deeper into the backstories that they had been building up for years. Clearly, as Hawk's story shows, they all care deeply about them, and I think the fans would want to see it.

Meanwhile, Blue Bloods was one of many shows that ended in 2024, and the series finale earned some big numbers that fans should be proud of. Even though the finale also resulted in one final heartbreaking death, the Reagans and secondary characters were spared, living happily ever after, including Abigail (not Melissa).

Overall, this story goes to show just how important it is to give a character a name and a backstory so they can have an identity, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal at first. Tom Selleck certainly knew what he was doing, and it makes me wonder what other characters' identities he was responsible for.

There are many secrets to Blue Bloods’ family dinner scenes, including the fact real silverware was not used, but less shocking is the fact family was super important on the CBS show before its 2024 cancellation. Selleck recently wrote a book highlighting major events in his career when this tidbit came up, and apparently being the lead of a TV series was not something the actor took lightly. In fact, he was cued in to the importance of leading from the top down thanks to some key words from famous actor James Garner (decades before his death in 2014).

Writing in his memoir You Never Know, Selleck discussed at length his Hollywood experiences, many of which are tied to his runs on popular shows like Magnum P.I. and Blue Bloods. The veteran actor said that it was after landing the Magnum role (there’s a reason he refuses to personally add the P.I.), that he learned one of the great Hollywood lessons about family. He wrote:

For years on Magnum P.I., Selleck says he took this role really seriously. When the show wrapped in 1988, it was partially the actor’s idea, as ratings were still high at the time. But they had a big, happy family wrap party featuring a sunset cruise on a catamaran, a fireworks show and custom t-shirts made for the crew and their families.

Things ended on a good note, and when he got his next gigantic network TV break decades later, the actor says he remembered what he’d learned from Garner, noting of the Eye Networks’ Blue Bloods:

At the time the book was written, Blue Bloods had yet to be canceled. However, Selleck did say keeping the famous family dinner scenes had been a bit of a fight he’d spearheaded before the show went into production.

He also waxed on about how popular the show was, sentiments he would express some time later when Selleck was trying to keep the Reagan family drama on the air. It didn’t work out, but hey, at least there are talks of a Blue Bloods spinoff of some sort happening. And if Tom Selleck has any say, that will likely focus in on family too.

You may have heard the story before: if things had gone differently, Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones might have been played by Tom Selleck instead of Harrison Ford. Ford addressed the Raiders of the Lost Ark outcome only last year, and Selleck himself wrote about it in his recent biography, You Never Know: A Memoir.

I happened to pick up the book on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and was surprised to find BTS stories about Selleck’s National Guard experience, as well as Hollywood tidbits about Mae West and the Lancer TV series the actor drily notes is only remembered thanks to a reference in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. But the one thing that stuck out really hard to me was how close Selleck was to playing the iconic Indiana Jones -- like really close, like to the point where Steven Spielberg told him he had the role.

He landed the role. He thought it was a sure thing. So what happened?

What Happened With Magnum P.I. And Indiana Jones, According To Tom Selleck

After auditioning with a young Sean Young (who didn’t ultimately land the movie either), Tom Selleck was offered the role. At the time, he looped in Spielberg and Lucas about a CBS pilot he’d shot called Magnum Initially it didn’t seem to be a big deal (the name change to P.I. came later), though the actor recalls he felt like he was in “the World Series of waits” while he awaited word about both the movie and the TV pilot moving forward.

The worst case scenario happened. While Selleck was in limbo, the two famous moviemen did keep the offer on the table for more than a month. Then Magnum P.I. continued moving forward and the head honcho at CBS Bob Daly flat out told the directors his new, shiny TV actor couldn’t say yes to both. He was worried Selleck would jump ship to the big screen, according to Selleck. The actor's own feelings on the matter?

That wasn’t the end of the story, however. Next came the longest Hollywood strike with the Screen Actors Guild. At the time. Selleck had just nabbed a “charming place” in Hawaii when it happened, but it did lead to some frustration over what had happened.

What Happened After Harrison Ford Was Cast As Indiana Jones

While Selleck was settling into life in Hawaii, Harrison Ford had landed the role of the whip-bearing hero Indiana Jones. Intriguingly, while the SAG strike affected most of the industry, Indiana Jones was allowed to work on the production during these tenuous times. The Magnum P.I. actor recalled in You Never Know the one moment in this saga that nearly got to him, but that he tried to have the right perspective on.

He said one day he was eating breakfast during the strike when he saw the headline: 'Spielberg to Finish Movie in Hawaii.' They'd work out a deal to film the movie in the midst of the strike when Selleck was off Magnum P.I. anyway. He wrestled with the frustration of the entire deal and wrote in his book he tried very hard to distract himself from losing the role, buying a surfboard (and surfing unsuccessfully) and more. He wrote of that time:

It took Tom Selleck a long time to really break into the industry. He was 35 when Magnum P.I. went to series and he said he struggled with fame when he broke big.

Still, it had its perks, as he later on went on to land big screen roles in Three Men and a Baby and had a storied TV career that included notable roles in Friends, Las Vegas and most recently Blue Bloods. (Not to mention the Jesse Stone movies, which Selleck would like to resurrect.) This led him to be able to buy and work on his famous avocado farm and more, even without the Indy money.

But it's hard to sometimes not look back and think about what could've, would've, should've been.

Blue Bloods' well-rated series finale has aired amid the 2024 TV schedule, bringing the show to a close after 14 seasons. While it’s still hard to fathom that the show is over, its run was impressive. The procedural became a mainstay for CBS on Friday nights, and it’s partly because of the cast, which includes Tom Selleck. After playing Frank Reagan for over a decade, Selleck opened up about the "danger" of doing a show for so many years and how he avoided that while playing Frank Reagan.

It was, understandably, hard for Tom Selleck to wrap Blue Bloods. Yet he's obviously no stranger to saying goodbye to a long-held role, having starred on the original Magnum P.I. back in the ‘80s, which ran for eight seasons. Ultimately, BB wound up being his longest-running role, which is something to be proud of. Still, considering the work he's done, Selleck is well aware of the pitfalls one can face when playing a role for so long, as he told Entertainment Weekly:

For some actors, it would be hard to stay in the same role for so long, as you’re mostly flexing the same kind of acting muscles every single day. With that, there's a temptation to get too comfortable, and you may even become bored as a result, too. Luckily for the Jesse Stone icon, he never felt that way while playing Frank Reagan because, like all the characters on Blue Bloods, the longer the show went on, the more the characters evolved. And that's something the now-79 year-old actor really appreciated:

That might be the best benefit of a show airing for years. As a viewer, I enjoy seeing how characters evolve as the actors get older and learning more about them. Adding layers to them in organic ways can be hit or miss, but I'd argue that the BB writers and producers did a solid job of that. And, based on social media posts that have been shared over the years, fans relished that.

On that note, Selleck doesn't understand why CBS ended Blue Bloods and was also frustrated by the cancellation. His recent comments have suggested that the show meant a lot to him. Selleck previously spoke about the show’s longevity, and between the Reagan family dinners and the action. Despite the cancellation though, Selleck is aiming to do one thing:

There have been rumored discussions of a possible Blue Bloods spinoff and, while nothing has been confirmed, it wouldn’t be surprising if CBS were to move forward with one. Even though it would be hard to match the OG show's success, I'm sure Tom Selleck would be game -- as long as his character doesn't become stale or predictable. Right now, you can stream BB using a Paramount+ subscription.

By and large, the majority of the TV shows ending in 2024 that were canceled had to face such fates due to a pronounced lack of viewers or other behind-the-scenes issues, but that’s not so much the case with CBS’ losses this year. For instance, Blue Bloods was canceled back in November 2023, despite being one of the network’s most-watched shows from year to year, and ignoring complaints from stars like Tom Selleck. And the numbers for the final episode continue proving its value.

CBS unveiled the viewership numbers for Blue Bloods in the days after the acclaimed episode aired. It should be noted that parent company Paramount is not currently partnered with Nielsen for measurement purposes, and that these totals were reported using VideoAmp Overnight data.

Blue Bloods’ episode “End of Tour” was indeed quite the noteworthy success for all involved, as it is noted as having brought in around 6.7 million pairs of eyeballs for its Friday night airing on CBS following the midseason finales of S.W.A.T. and Fire Country. While not necessarily the biggest number in general, it’s worth noting that this total marked Blue Bloods’ biggest nightly audience for the entirety of Season 14, including both the most recent eps and the first 10 installments that aired from February to May.

What’s more, that total number of viewers marked the second straight week with an increase in viewership, as noted by TVLine. And it’s even 3% or so higher than the total overnight crowd who tuned into the midseason finale. If the network and traffic-tracking company’s estimates hold true, the episode could expand its total viewership outward to around 11.4 million after Live + 7 Day totals are tallied.

(Coincidentally enough, that’s the same number that Paramount touted as the total audience who watched Yellowstone’s series finale on Sunday night. That just measured the one night, but accounted for the episode’s numbers across Paramount Network and CMT.)

One would think and hope that such impressive numbers would light a metaphorical fire under CBS execs to stick with this series, at least as far as the previously announced franchise-expanding project concerned. It's unlikely the flagship will be brought back in full, but it still remains to be seen how a new project would focus on other elements familiar to this world.

Will Blue Bloods viewers follow Tom Selleck to his next project, or will they keep campaigning for CBS to renew the long-running drama for a new season? I can’t imagine Selleck will ever stop voicing his dismay anytime he’s asked about it, so perhaps we can hold out hope for the characters to return in the future at some point when network execs need a new Friday night staple.

Until then, Blue Bloods episodes are available to stream in full with a Paramount+ subscription.

Blue Bloods has ended in the 2024 TV schedule, leading people to tearfully say goodbye to the Reagans whether they liked it or not. Many, including much of the cast, have hoped that CBS would eventually “come to their senses,” as Tom Selleck said, and reverse the decision, but that has not happened. What makes it all the more heartbreaking is that Selleck shared what the hardest part of wrapping the series was, and it makes sense why it would be much different than most Hollywood projects.

Selleck has been in the industry for decades and is, of course, known for his role as Tomas Magnum in the original Magnum P.I. back in the ‘80s. While that series ran for eight seasons and Selleck had a Magnum reunion on Blue Bloods, the now concluded family police procedural is still a special series. The actor spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his time on Blue Bloods, admitting how hard it’s been to come to terms with the fact that the series has ended and he’s no longer seeing his second family every single day for a chunk of the year:

Filming a show is certainly different compared to a movie when it comes to the relationships made, so I get where Selleck is coming from. A movie is usually filmed over several months, while a series can be filmed from anywhere between several months to several years. And in Blue Bloods’ case, it was 14 years. Not only were the actors a family on-screen, but they were a family off-screen as well, including the crew.

These are people who have had the same routine, seen most of the same coworkers every day for about nine months of the year, give or take, for over a decade, and you can’t just turn that routine off so easily. It was announced last year that Blue Bloods was ending after Season 14, and even though people have had plenty of time to prepare, that doesn’t mean it was easy. As for a movie, you just move on to the next project and hope that you stay in touch with the cast:

Tom Selleck’s on-screen dad, Len Caroiu, had a similar sentiment, as he previously said that filming on the final day was like any other day, but it only got hard when production didn’t start up again for another season. Not only that, but when press began on the final episodes, he had to meet up with the cast for promo, rather than filming. While everyone will hopefully get together for occasional reunions, the end still can’t be easy with the adjustment.

There’s been discussions of a potential Blue Bloods spinoff and much of the cast had ideas of where they want their characters to end up, so it’s possible that the show will be coming back in some way, shape, or form. We can cross our fingers, at least! In the meantime, all 14 seasons are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

The list of shows ending in 2024 is a long one, and the time has come for Blue Bloods to officially join the list. The long-running CBS procedural is airing its series finale on December 13 on the 2024 TV schedule, and even despite discussions of a potential spinoff or another season, fans have to say goodbye to the Reagans. However, that isn’t stopping Tom Selleck and the rest of the cast from giving their input about where they want their characters to end up, and one of the possibilities seems like a doozy.

After joining Blue Bloods in Season 3 as Maria Baez, Danny Reagan’s newest partner after Jennifer Esposito’s Jackie Curatola exited, Marisa Ramirez has become quite a big part of the show, and Baez and Danny’s relationship has been a hot topic for years. While reflecting on the end, she told EW where she sees Baez after the finale, with two separate answers, and both include one key element:

Going off of Ramirez’s first answer, it would be fun to see Baez at a school for misfits, like a juvenile center or something. She’s always been caring, so it would certainly work for her. It could also allow her to focus more on her daughter with a career that is far less dangerous. Even though it would be hard to see her as anything other than a detective, her bringing in Danny would certainly make up for it, and I can only imagine the kind of situations they’d be getting into.

As for the second part of her answer, it would definitely be fun to see Baez, Danny, Jamie, and Eddie together and having to extend their vacation because of trouble. As Ramirez said, there are a lot of different ways a spinoff could go, and this is certainly a wild and fun option. It would be intense and filled with plenty of action, of course, and there is no telling how it would go down.

So, while it was an unexpected pitch for where her character ends up, I'm here for it, especially since Donnie Wahlberg wants Danny to step into the next chapter of his life with a similar job "and perhaps someone from the current cast," which would certainly work with Ramirez's pitch.

Meanwhile, Tom Selleck has been vocal about not wanting Blue Bloods to end, and he even sees Frank as commissioner "till he drops." Fans have started petitions to save the show and it’s obvious there are plenty of stories to be told with Blue Bloods, whether continuing a main character’s storyline or centering on someone completely different. Plus, the cast has ideas! So, why not do more?

It should be interesting to see how everyone’s stories come to an end in the Blue Bloods series finale, airing Friday, December 13 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. However, hopefully, this won’t be the complete end, and maybe we'll get to see some pitches like Ramirez's play out. No matter what, though, fans can always get their fix with all 14 seasons streaming for those with a Paramount+ subscription.

It’s no secret that Tom Selleck is frustrated about Blue Bloods ending up on 2024’s list of canceled or ending shows. Now, the series finale is about to air, and he’s still making it clear that that should not have happened. In fact, he said he still “can’t figure out” why CBS pulled the plug on the procedural, and he presented an idea about how the drama could have continued.

The final episode of Blue Bloods will air on December 13 on CBS at 10 p.m. ET on the 2024 TV schedule. That will mark the final Reagan family dinner, and it is bound to be incredibly emotional. However, even though they’ve been done filming for months, Tom Selleck is still talking about why this shouldn’t mark the end of this series, as he told Variety:

This response came after the Frank Reagan actor was asked a question about rumors surrounding the potential for a Blue Bloods spinoff. Clearly, he’s not thinking about a new series based in this world, it would appear that he is still trying to figure out a way for the OG procedural to continue.

His proposal to move Blue Bloods over to a streamer and make shorter seasons makes sense too. Plenty of series have moved from network to streaming in recent years – many of which had been on the air for a long time – so it’s not like this is an outlandish idea. In fact, I’m kind of surprised it isn’t what’s happening.

We saw Criminal Minds get revived on Paramount+ under the name Criminal Minds: Evolutions. Law and Order: Organized Crime made the jump from NBC to Peacock with great success. Plus, the NCIS Universe is expanding on both CBS and Paramount+. So, while not common, it’s also not unheard of for shows to jump platforms so they can continue.

Also, as someone who doesn't have live TV, I watch all my CBS shows with a Paramount+ subscription anyway, and I know many others do too. So, it probably wouldn’t even be that big of a shift.

I bet the Blue Bloods cast could get behind this plan as well. As the Magnum P.I. star said, getting to do more of this procedural would have been a “gift” for the cast and the audience. In the months leading up to the drama’s series finale, many actors have voiced their opinions on the drama concluding too, most of which are to the tune of they don’t want it to end. For example, Abigail Baker called the cancellation a “colossal error.”

Overall, it’s clear as day that Selleck and his co-stars don’t want Blue Bloods to end, and they would have been willing to switch things up and even move the show if it meant they’d have a place on the 2025 TV schedule. However, sadly, none of that happened, and now the series will say its final goodbye this week. But, we can always hold out hope that maybe someday a revival will happen.

For now, though, you can tune in to say goodbye to the Reagan’s at 10 p.m. ET on CBS this Friday.

The final Reagan family dinner ever is upon us with the series finale of Blue Bloods airing this Friday in the 2024 TV schedule. The family dinners have become a fan-favorite tradition among not only the cast but the fans as well, and each one is arguably the highlight of the episode with the Reagans coming together, laughing and arguing. It’s one of the only times fans see the entire family on-screen together. In addition to the final dinner having some special guests, Tom Selleck commemorated the scene in an emotional way.

Blue Bloods wrapped filming over the summer. Even though the final day on set was just like any other day, that doesn’t mean that there weren't still plenty of feelings. Wahlberg told Entertainment Weekly what it was like filming that final Reagan family dinner, and it sounds like everyone just tried their hardest to not sob:

The Reagan family dinners have certainly been a constant on Blue Bloods for almost 300 episodes, and the fact that the cast and crew managed to make it through the final scene is impressive. That’s not to say that it was easy, though, because once the scene was finished, no one wanted it to truly end. Wahlberg went on to share what Tom Selleck did to make it special:

Of course, everyone has had time to prepare for the end of Blue Bloods after it was announced last year that the Reagans would be leaving us. But filming those final scenes just made it all the more real, especially when “Wrap” was called on the dinner. Not to mention that the dinner was Selleck's first and final scene ever filmed. Luckily, he came through with a poem and it took Donnie Wahlberg back in time:

Despite playing Selleck's son for 14 seasons, it was still a dream for Wahlberg by the end. It shows just how much Blue Bloods means to him, especially since he admitted he “started crying and didn’t stop for a few hours” while thinking about what these last 14 years have been like. Wahlberg shared that he would be watching Selleck on TV with his mom and grandma, who are both gone now, and “how profound it was that somehow my life's journey had taken me to this moment," and that he "couldn't help but feel incredibly blessed and incredibly grateful in that moment.”

The Blue Bloods cast is certainly special, and not just because the original Magnum is on the show. It will be hard to say goodbye to the Reagans on Friday, but it's nice to hear one more time just how much the show and those family dinners meant to the cast.

Despite being one of TV’s most-watched scripted shows yearly for the bulk of its 14-season run, CBS’ Blue Bloods is one of many shows ending this year, with its series finale hitting the 2024 TV premiere schedule soon. Fans and cast members have spoken out against the financially motivated decision, but now that hopes for a surprise renewal are dwindling, let’s shift our focus over to where cast members such as Tom Selleck are heading next.

Selleck has been as outspoken with his frustrations over the cancellation as anyone else, as he doesn’t understand why CBS would conclude a project that had yet to fall from primetime grace. But it sounds like he’s looking ahead and weighing his options for where to bring his talents next, and he seems inclined to return to the western genre, particularly the lucrative ranch lands that Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan calls his TV home.

Speaking with Parade about saying farewell to Blue Bloods and Frank Reagan, Selleck was asked about his next gig, and whether or not he’d be interested in playing cowboy again for Sheriday. Here’s how the Magnum P.I. vet answered:

This idea would have seemed exciting years ago when Yellowstone was just starting up, but now it seems like it could be legitimately possible, considering how many big stars Sheridan's series have cast. That shortlist includes Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Sylvester Stallone, Billy Bob Thornton, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner, Kevin Costner and many more. (Let's not forget that Tom Hanks cameo in 1883.)

One can only hope that someone in Taylor Sheridan's camp catches wind of Tom Selleck's desire to hop back on a horse. The mega-producer bought up the historic Four Sixes ranch in Texas, which he's already utilized quite a bit for filming purposes, given his passion for horses and all that comes with them. Anyone who actually wants to get back in the saddle would seemingly be welcomed with open arms.

Selleck also addressed his fandom and longtime friendship with 1883 vet Sam Elliott, saying he'd be down to team up with the Big Lebowski vet if possible. In his words:

How amazing would it be to see Hollywood's two most impressive mustaches on the screen at the same time on the 2025 TV premiere schedule? The pair shared the screen several times in the past, such as in the 1978 TV miniseries The Sacketts and the 1982 TV movie The Shadow Riders. So that would be a huge plus for both fans and the creative team putting it together.

With hopes for a Sheridan-enhanced announcement to come soon, Blue Bloods series finale is set to air on CBS on Friday, December 13, at 10:00 p.m. ET, and can be streamed the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

Think of your favorite movie character of all time. There is a good chance that the actor who ended up playing that part is not the first actor the studio approached. See for yourself by taking a look at this list of celebrities who decided to pass on a movie role that would turn out to make cinematic history.

Will Smith (Neo In The Matrix)

It is actually pretty easy for us to picture what the Matrix movies might have been like with Will Smith as Neo. However, the Academy Award winner seems to believe that Keanu Reeves was the better choice to play the chosen one in the mind-bending, dystopian sci-fi movie classic, claiming in a video on his YouTube channel that he would have "ruined it."

Jodie Foster (Princess Leia in Star Wars)

Fresh off her Academy Award-nominated breakthrough role in 1976's Taxi Driver, a teenage Jodie Foster was offered the chance to be a part of the Star Wars movies as Princess Leia Organa. As she revealed to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, the two-time Oscar winner had a contractual obligation to an unnamed Disney movie, allowing Carrie Fisher to win the role.

Tom Hanks (Jerry Maguire In Jerry Maguire)

Tom Hanks was on top of the world with two Oscar wins (for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump) when he was offered to play a sports agent down on his luck in Jerry Maguire. He ended up passing on the eponymous role from Cameron Crowe's 1996 dramedy and later told Access Hollywood (via FandomWire), "I think you look at it now and it couldn’t have been anybody other than Tom Cruise," who would receive a nod from the Academy for his performance.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Patrick Bateman In American Psycho)

Christian Bale once told GQ that every one of his roles was first offered to Leonardo DiCaprio and one confirmed example is Patrick Bateman in 2000's American Psycho. The future Oscar winner told The Morning Call that he passed on playing the sadistic yuppie because he felt the script “didn’t mean anything in the end," but rumor has it Bale's stepmom, Gloria Steinem, convinced DiCaprio that it would be bad for his post-Titanic, romantic heartthrob reputation at the time.

Jean-Claude Van Damme (The Predator In Predator)

The titular terrifying alien enemy from 1987's Predator looked a lot different when Jean-Claude Van Damme was still in the role, according to THR's oral history. The Belgian actor star actually shot some footage in the original insect-like suit before deciding he would rather not be hidden in his own movie, leading to a redesign of the costume and the casting of 7'2" Kevin Peter Hall.

Jack Nicholson (Michael Corleone In The Godfather)

While we cannot imagine anyone other than Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, Jack Nicholson probably would have been great in the Godfather movies. However, the three-time Oscar winner refused the offer, explaining to Movieline in 2004 (via ScreenRant) that he believed "Italians should play Italians."

John Travolta (Forrest Gump In Forrest Gump)

When speaking with MTV News (via Collider), John Travolta revealed that he had no regrets about turning down the title role of the Best Picture Oscar winner Forrest Gump and it is no wonder why. Not only did Tom Hanks embody the role to Oscar-winning acclaim but Travolta found career-rejuvenating success with Pulp Fiction in 1994 instead.

Burt Reynolds (James Bond In Live And Let Die)

In 2015, Burt Reynolds told USA Today that, when approached to be Sean Connery's replacement in the James Bond films, he believed the public would not accept a 007 with an American accent. However, he would later come to believe that, "It was a stupid thing to say. I could've done it and I could've done it well."

Eddie Murphy (Winston Zeddemore In Ghostbusters)

While appearing on The Tonight Show in 2019, Eddie Murphy was asked by Jimmy Fallon if it is true that he passed on playing Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters. The comedian confirmed that it was true but added that it allowed him the opportunity to lead an even bigger hit from 1984: Beverly Hills Cop.

John Lithgow (Seth Brundle In The Fly)

Jeff Goldblum's iconic role from David Cronenberg's 1986 remake of The Fly was previously offered to John Lithgow, who told IndieWire that he said no, not wanting to play "something so grotesque.” Having witnessed Seth Brundle's transformation into a half-human, half-insect in the intense body horror movie, we cannot say we blame him.

Tom Selleck (Indiana Jones In Raiders Of The Lost Ark)

Having already worked with Harrison Ford three times before, George Lucas was reluctant to cast the Han Solo actor as Indiana Jones, opening up the opportunity for a rotation of actors, including Tom Selleck. As he recalled on Today, the actor was forced to pass on 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, due to his commitment to the CBS crime drama, Magnum P.I.

Christopher Lee (Dr. Loomis In Halloween)

While already a horror movie icon at the time for his acclaimed portrayal of Dracula and role in 1973's The Wicker Man, Christopher Lee could have added one of the all-time best horror movies, 1978's Halloween, to his resume. According to The Digital Fix, he would come to regret the decision to pass on the role of Michael Myers' psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, who was immortalized by Donald Pleasance instead.

Christina Applegate (Elle Woods In Legally Blonde)

Before Reese Witherspoon made Elle Woods an icon among fictional lawyers in Legally Blonde and among fictional politicians in the sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, the role was offered to Christina Applegate. The former Married... with Children star later explained to Entertainment Tonight that she was afraid of repeating the ditzy blonde but jokes it was a "stupid move."

Emily Blunt (Black Widow In Iron Man 2)

Scarlett Johansson was perfect as Natasha Romanoff but Emily Blunt would have made a killing as the Avenger also called Black Widow. The English actor explained to Howard Stern that she could not originate the role for the MCU in 2010's Iron Man 2 because she was contractually obligated to appear in that year's adaptation of Gulliver's Travels.

Emma Watson (Mia In La La Land)

Playing Mia in 2016's La La Land earned Emma Stone her first Oscar win but the role of the aspiring actor had originally gone to another Emma: Emma Watson. The Harry Potter movies star said in a SiriusXM Town Hall interview (via Us Weekly) that her commitment to Beauty and the Beast and the hard work required to star in the musical led her to pull out.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Rollergirl In Boogie Nights)

Heather Graham made her mainstream breakthrough in 1998's Boogie Nights as "Rollergirl" – a role that was previously offered to Gwyneth Paltrow. The future Oscar winner told Howard Stern (via Us Weekly) that she passed because she feared the role, which required her to completely disrobe and simulate lewd acts on camera, would "kill" her conservative grandfather.

Jennifer Hudson (Precious In Precious)

Jennifer Hudson had previously said in her memoir, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways And Lost What Weighed Me Down, that she turned down the title role of Precious because she did not want to take a role that involved her weight. The Oscar winner later retracted that statement when speaking to The Huffington Post, explaining that Was not interested in what the role, which ultimately went to Gabourey Sibide, would have required her to do at that point in her career.

Matt Damon (Jake Sully In Avatar)

Sam Worthington became a household name when he led James Cameron's astonishingly successful sci-fi epic, Avatar, as Jake Sully – a role previously offered to Matt Damon. The Oscar winner once joked to Access Hollywood that not participating in the 2009 film cost the movie "a lot."

Ian McKellan (Albus Dumbledore In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban)

The Lord of the Rings movies' Gandalf actor, Sir Ian McKellan, could have added another famous wizard to his resume and become the Harry Potter franchise's new Albus Dumbledore. Instead, the part went to Michael Gambon after, as he told BBC News, McKellan turned it down because he couldn’t “take over the part from an actor who I’d known didn’t approve of me,” referring to the late Richard Harris who was a vocal critic of the actor.

Drew Barrymore (Sidney Prescott In Scream)

Given Drew Barrymore's A-list status in 1996, audiences assumed that she was the lead of Wes Craven's Scream, which could have been the case, as she confirmed on Hot Ones. However, she requested to be killed off in the beginning as Casey Becker, knowing it would shock the audience, paving the way for Neve Campbell to become a Scream Queen in the role of Sidney Prescott.

Angela Bassett (Leticia Musgrove In Monster’s Ball)

Halle Berry became the first Black Best Actress Oscar winner for her performance in Monster's Ball as Leticia Musgrove – a role that was offered to Angela Bassett. According to EW, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star felt the part of a Black call girl was too stereotypical.

Sean Connery (Gandalf In The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring)

Sir Ian McKellan mentions in an oral history about the Lord of the Rings series for The Independent that an earlier choice to play Gandalf the Grey was Sir Sean Connery. New Line Cinema executive Mark Ordesky notes that the former James Bond actor passed on the role of the wizard simply because he "did not get it."

Bette Midler (Annie Wilkes In Misery)

Despite having no qualms about playing an actual evil witch in 1993's Hocus Pocus, Bette Midler did have some reservations about playing Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's Misery from 1990. The actor and singer told Variety that was interested in playing the sadistic nurse because of her violent, unfunny, and irredeemable qualities.

Warren Beatty (Bill In Kill Bill)

In 2003, Quentin Tarantino told BBC that he originally started writing the title role of Kill Bill with Warren Beatty in mind because he wanted to work with him and the Oscar winner was set to play the target of Uma Thurman's vengeful Bride for a bit. However, after realizing that David Carradine was a better fit, followed by consideration of the time commitment and martial arts training involved, the actor and filmmaker amicably agreed to part ways.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Clarice Starling In The Silence Of The Lambs)

Michelle Pfeiffer once told Today's Hoda Kotb (via People) that her reasons for passing on roles in the likes of Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct typically had to do with scheduling conflicts. However, she told The New Yorker she passed on playing Clarice Starling (which ultimately went to Jodie Foster) in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs because the “evil” in the film made her nervous.

Al Pacino (Han Solo In Star Wars)

In his memoir, Sonny Boy, Al Pacino reveals that, before Harrison Ford was cast in Star Wars, he was offered the role of Han Solo. The Oscar winner explains that he could not "make anything out of" George Lucas' script and chose not to play the pilot of the Millennium Falcon.

Bela Lugosi (The Creature In Frankenstein)

According to the book, The Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi by Arthur Lennig (via SlashFilm), the star of 1931's Dracula had the opportunity to play two Universal Monsters in the same year, having also been offered to play The Creature in Frankenstein. However, the actor believed such a role was "beneath him," paving the way for Boris Karloff to rise up in the ranks of horror royalty as Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s creation.

Haley Lu Richardson (Dani Ardor In Midsommar)

Haley Lu Richardson, known for one of the best M. Night Shyamalan movies, Split, passed on the role of Dani Ardor in Ari Aster's 2019 sophomore effort, Midsommar. The A24 horror masterpiece was ultimately led by Florence Pugh, whom Richardson told Backstage she has nothing but praise for, despite not yet having the courage to watch the movie.

Julia Roberts (Annie Reed In Sleepless In Seattle)

The two most prestigious queens of the rom-com genre would have to be Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan but only one could play Annie Reed in Sleepless in Seattle. Roberts told InStyle (via ABC News) that she was offered the part but could not do it, adding that Ryan and Tom Hanks "are just such a jewel of a fit in that."

Jamie Lee Curtis (Regan MacNeil In The Exorcist)

Jamie Lee Curtis became horror royalty with her feature film debut in 1978's Halloween but her reign could have begun earlier if not for one thing: her mother, Janet Leigh. Curtis told EW that, when she was asked to audition for Regan MacNeil in 1973's The Exorcist (which would go to Linda Blair), the Psycho star spoke on the then-13-year-old's behalf and refused the offer.

Lee Marvin (Quint In Jaws)

Robert Shaw's performance as Quint in Jaws is nearly as famous as the man-eating shark itself but the English actor was actually not Steven Spielberg's first choice. The filmmaker told Vanity Fair that he previously approached Lee Marvin but the Dirty Dozen star was not interested.

Sarah Michelle Gellar (Amber In Clueless)

Elisa Donovan's character in Clueless, Amber, very nearly went to the future star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar. Adam Schroeder, the co-producer of the 1995 high school movie classic, told Vanity Fair that the actor's commitment to the soap opera All My Children at the time forced her to recede from consideration.

Blue Bloods is one of many shows ending this year, and the final episodes are officially airing on the 2024 TV schedule. With only a handful of them left to say goodbye to the Reagan family, it’s going to be incredibly emotional for viewers. It was emotional for the cast too, as it sounds like filming with Tom Selleck was intense for the final day. However, Donnie Wahlberg kept a positive attitude about it all.

Selleck has been vocal about not wanting Blue Bloods to end, and fans have started petitions in the hopes that Frank Reagan could get his way. There have also been reports that more Blue Bloods could be on the way in the form of another season, spinoff, or even a movie, but as of now, nothing is official. So, when filming wrapped, that was it, at least for the time being.

Wahlberg recalled the final day on set with Andy Cohen on Sirius XM’s Radio Andy, and he wants to remember that time with gratitude, even if it was incredibly heartbreaking to say goodbye:

Airing for 14 seasons and over 250 episodes is an incredible feat, even if it's not ending on its own terms. So, tears were certainly expected, and more tears are anticipated when the finale airs in December. However, Wahlberg being grateful and wanting to keep his chin up with gratitude is helping subdue the sadness. He continued to reflect on his last days of work and Tom Selleck coming to see him perform, saying:

While performing with Tom Selleck just watching sounds a bit intimidating, it also sounds really nice. Plus, since Wahlberg worked with him for over a decade, having him on set for his final scenes must have been emotional for a lot of reasons.

Speaking of final shots, Tom Selleck revealed his first and final scenes ever filmed for Blue Bloods were, appropriately, Reagan family dinners. While it's unknown what the last scene of the CBS drama will be since shows are almost always filmed out of order, it makes the most sense for it to be a family dinner. So, here's hoping our last moments with this family are together, just like Selleck and Wahlberg got to be together during their scenes.

It's going to be hard to say goodbye to Blue Bloods when the time comes in less than two months. Fans will definitely have to get their tissues ready, especially when the cast starts saying their own goodbyes ahead of the finale. At the very least, all episodes are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription, so it’s like the Reagans will never leave, even after they air their last episode on a Friday at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

Blue Bloods fans, the end is near. The 2024 TV schedule has been ushering us all through what will be the final chapter of the Reagan family’s current form. While there’s tons of potential for spinoffs, we don’t know where we’ll see these folks again after finale time. So when I heard that TV legend and series star Tom Selleck’s final scenes provided him with a full circle connection to his first moment on the long running law enforcement drama, I have to say it brought a smile to my face.

With Blue Bloods a member of the class of TV shows ending in 2024, the departure of the Reagan family is one that has been felt all around. But in an interview with TV Insider, the Magnum P.I. icon revealed that his final day on the set was made even more special by how it mirrored his first day filming in the role of Frank Reagan. Here’s what Tom Selleck shared about the moment:

This sort of symmetry is rather heartwarming to consider regardless of if one is a Blue Bloods fanatic or just a casual viewer. As Tom Selleck and the rest of his TV family have been preparing themselves for the end, emotions have run high, and fans have been hanging on each and every hint for what could be coming down the line. While Blue Bloods’ potential franchise future is a topic of discussion with the brass at CBS Entertainment, it unfortunately hasn’t yielded much fruit.

There is some pretty promising Blue Bloods information reported above though, as one of the final Reagan family dinners has some exciting returns in store already. Sami Gayle’s Nicky had been a regular character until Season 10, with some appearances in Season 11 and 13; but her participation in the final season was never guaranteed. Tony Terracino’s Jack Reagan followed a similar trajectory, as he went from a recurring cast member to guest status from Seasons 10 through 13.

While we haven’t seen this last supper between Commissioner Frank Reagan and the rest of his relations, we can flashback to the very first time Blue Bloods showed what would become a series staple:

Reading Tom Selleck looking back fondly on his time on these fourteen seasons is always a treat, especially in light of the Blue Bloods cancellation complaints that cast members have voiced in the general direction of CBS execs. And though it's not spelled out in so many words, I'd like to think that the closing episode of this farewell season will be this very moment, sending the fans off with a memory worthy of this program's success, as well as a dish full of leftovers.

For those of you who are keeping up with Blue Bloods, make sure you tune into CBS on Fridays at 10 PM ET to continue making your own regular appointment at the Reagan family table. And for those of you who are looking to catch up, if not start your journey with this TV institution, you can see it all through access to a Paramount+ subscription, or catch Seasons 6 through 13 for free with ads on Pluto TV.

After 14 seasons, Blue Bloods is nearing the end, with its final batch of episodes airing on the 2024 TV schedule. While much of the BB cast have only been working on the CBS procedural since 2010 aside from a few minor roles here and there, Donnie Wahlberg has basically been working overtime, thanks to his career as a New Kid on the Block. He recently opened up about balancing his two jobs and how that dynamic even sparked a sweet moment with co-star Tom Selleck.

While Donnie Wahlberg has been playing Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods for 14 years, New Kids on the Block has been making music since the ‘80s and remains busy. Wahlberg shared at PaleyFest, via People, that he worked his “whole life to be in this position, to be part of something this magical” and, while he knows he didn’t struggle the way his parents struggled, it took him a while to find what he was doing next in his life. Between his music and acting careers and his role as a father to his two sons, the actor hasn't felt any strain:

Considering the Saw alum would be filming for majority of the year, spending a chunk of his free time touring, making music or focusing on his family, it’s pretty remarkable to know that he got the routine down cold and didn't feel an ounce of pressure. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it’s always 100% perfect for him. At the end of the day, though, it seems he’s doing exactly what he wanted to do, regardless of his busy schedule, and that’s a true blessing.

Some may be curious as to whether or not Donnie Wahlberg's two professions ever intersect. Well, that happened on at least one occasion. Wahlberg recalled how Tom Selleck once gave him feedback on an awards show performance and, based on how the singer/actor describes it, it sounds like a truly tender moment:

What makes this story even better is the fact that this was way back in the first season, which means that Tom Selleck was so supportive and dad-like early on. It's always lovely to hear about actors supporting actors. All in all, I'm glad that Donnie Wahlberg seems to be living the life he's always wanted and hope that he continues to balance his professional passions.

While Blue Bloods' imminent conclusion is upsetting, at least this way, Donnie Wahlberg won’t be working quite as hard, at least for now. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if he managed to snag another acting role down the road.

The final episodes of Blue Bloods are airing now on the 2024 TV schedule, and fans are preparing themselves for the final Reagan family dinners. The meals are a staple of the long-running CBS procedural, and it’s always an entertaining aspect of each episode as they can involve arguments, closure, or even someone new joining the family. However, filming the food-focused scenes can be tough, as Vanessa Ray explained while also revealing what she's learned about them from her on-screen sister-in-law, Bridget Moynahan.

Ray joined Blue Bloods in Season 4 as Jamie’s new partner, but she didn’t start coming around to the famous family dinners until the end of Season 8 after Eddie and Jamie got engaged. While she had already been on the show for four seasons at that point, being part of the Reagan's dinners wasn’t so easy at first.

Via Entertainment Weekly, Ray revealed during a PaleyFest panel that she was excited to do the scenes. However, she quickly learned how hard it is to film for a long time with food while revealing the sage advice Bridget Moynahan gave her:

It sounds like Moynahan had everything figured out and was merely just trying to warn Ray, who didn’t really take her advice at first. However, eventually, she did, which proved to work in her favor.

It turns out, the Erin actress has more than one trick up her sleeve too when it comes to filming these scenes, as Tom Selleck explained:

It is fun to hear behind-the-scenes details of the Reagan family dinners since they are so iconic.

Selleck previously credited the family dinners as a reason for Blue Bloods lasting so long, because it’s something that fans always look forward to, it’s a great way to have everyone in a scene together, and it makes that family dynamic all the more believable.

Speaking of believable, being reminded that some of the cast actually eats during the family dinners makes all this even better. Donnie Wahlberg managed to do this pretty well, in fact, and he explained how, saying:

Everyone has their own tips for getting through these scenes after 14 seasons of Blue Bloods, and it’s clear that there are some masters of the family dinners. Now that Vanessa Ray has been doing them for six seasons, she probably has some of her own tips as well.

While learning about how these iconic scenes is certainly fun, these final Reagan family dinners are going to be hard to watch. However, at least fans can tune in for the final episodes as they air on CBS every Friday at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and stream the entire series with a Paramount+ subscription.

We recently learned more about why Tom Selleck is “frustrated” Blue Bloods has been a casualty of the cancelation cycle at CBS, but while he’s been the most vocal about the series ending too soon, he’s not the only cast member of the long-running series to be feeling disappointment as we inch closer and closer to the release of the final season hitting the 2024 TV schedule. His co-star Bridget Moynahan recently shared her feelings, too.

Moynahan, like Selleck, has been with Blue Bloods since it first started airing all the way back in 2010. In the series she plays Erin, the daughter of family patriarch Frank Reagan, and she’s spent a lot of time filming Reagan family dinners and getting close to the other cast members on the show. When asked about the prospect of the drama ending, she got honest, similar to how her co-star has, telling TV Line:

One of the things that can be tough about acting is that work is not always consistent. People might meet on the set of a Netflix TV show that gets canceled after one season, or might only be on a movie set for a few weeks before switching to another project. So, for Blue Bloods to go on for more than a decade is, while not unheard of, irregular. And the cast and crew have spent a lot of time together because of it.

In fact, Moynahan referred to the work as a “constant” in her life, going more into detail about how close she is with co-stars who include the aforementioned Selleck but also Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes, Len Cariou and many, many more.

Selleck has spoken out in the past about being “disappointed” with CBS as well, but he’s explained why pretty eloquently. The show is in a tough slot on Friday nights. Yet, despite this it has managed to not only continue but to thrive in the ratings for 14 seasons. In fact, at the time the network decided to drop the show, it was still one of the higher-rated performers on network TV.

To its credit, CBS didn’t just unceremoniously add Blue Bloods to the list of canceled and ending shows in 2024. They slow-rolled its ending, and fans got new episodes last spring, with more coming this fall. Those new episodes will hit the schedule on October 18.

One of the small screen’s longest-running dramas is wrapping up at the end of the 2024 TV schedule, and while it’s just one of many series ending this year, Blue Bloods’ is the kind of show that no one ever really expected to exit its Friday night timeslot on CBS. Star Tom Selleck himself has been vocal about not wanting the series to end, and now we know a bit more about why he’s so frustrated about it.

Part of Selleck’s viewpoint is no doubt tied to personal interest in keeping a comfortable job surrounded by loved ones for well over a decade. But that’s definitely not the only reason why he’s perturbed by CBS’ decision to conclude the police drama, one of relatively few shows that lasted longer than 250 episodes. Speaking with TV Insider after the final episode was filmed, the Magnum P.I. vet shared that Blue Bloods’ success alone is reason enough to keep it going. In his words:

By all means, Tom Selleck probably has every right to morph into as bitter an old guy as can be, hauling off to yell at the clouds like Abe Simpson. He's part of a series that has held up as one of the most-watched broadcast series year after year without fail, despite airing on what is traditionally thought of as one of the two worst nights of the week for TV ratings and viewerships. (And at least Saturdays are bolstered by sports and cable movies.)

Selleck obviously isn't the only cast member with complaints of this variety, and it's hard to imagine that anyone working the show understands 100% why the network decided to end it. He continued, addressing another specific frustration he holds regarding CBS' decision. As he put it:

To Tom Selleck's point, had Blue Bloods struggled to succeed with its earliest seasons, and only later started crushing it in the ratings, then the network's execs might have had more of a mental impetus to keep the show going to dependably continue replicating the results. Instead, its ensemble cast of beloved actors quickly drew in large audiences when it arrived in 2010.

Season 1 averaged more than 12.5 million viewers, while Season 7 marked the high point with an average of 14.07 million. Even in this current climate of falling ratings, it's only in Season 12 that Blue Bloods' seasonal average fell below double-digit totals. That was just two seasons ahead of the decision to end it all.

While it's obviously not a rare event for network execs to cancel a series once its viewership numbers drop below a certain threshold, Blue Bloods' lowest numbers are the kind that other shows dream of having. And I can't think of any other show that got canceled while still being an undeniable success.

I do get that Blue Bloods' CBS bosses are hindered by financial obstacles when it comes to keeping scripted shows like this on the air for so long, since there are raises built into cast and crew contracts that depend on how many seasons a show stays on the air. And this isn't the kind of show that brings in tons of additional value through merchandising efforts such as toys, video games, tie-in books and the like. Still, though...if it's ain't broke, don't cancel it.

Blue Bloods will return to CBS from its mini-hiatus on Friday, October 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Tom Selleck’s been preparing to say goodbye to Blue Bloods (which is returning for its final episodes amid the 2024 TV schedule). But, at the same time, he’s been looking back at his time on another show that changed his life -- Magnum P.I. Not long ago, Selleck admitted that he thought the original script was horrible, Now, he's getting real about disliking the fame he experienced during the early days of the action series.

While Tom Selleck had earned acting gigs prior to Magnum P.I., once he landed the hit show, his career and life took a different turn. He recently appeared on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast and told Ted Danson that he realized his life had changed after filming only a few episodes of Magnum, which was delayed due to the 1980 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The veteran actor went on to share how he felt once the show aired regularly. And it sounds like his newly earned notoriety wasn't all that easy on him:

A lack of privacy is commonly a downside to fame and, while those in the industry are aware of that before hitting it big, the stresses of being a public figure can still be rough. With that, many celebrities have been leaving Hollywood as of late for less busy locales. Even Tom Selleck has owned a ranch for decades, which allows him to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tinseltown.

The inability to enjoy his private life wasn't the only gripe Tom Selleck had with his early Magnum P.I. fame. Selleck was also subject to rumors pertaining to his private life. With that, the star had to become more thoughtful when taking part in interviews:

Still, it wasn't all bad, it seems. The now-79-year-old actor went on to explain that he was able to find solace in some way while filming the show in Hawai'i. And, in the process, his life began to imitate the art:

I can only imagine having to deal with the price of celebrity while trying to maintain a personal life. Nevertheless, I'm glad to hear that Tom Selleck was able to find some source of relief while filming Magnum P.I. One would also think that he's well adjusted to his status as a public figure at this point, given how skillfully carries himself.

As of right now, it's unclear if Tom Selleck will retire after Blue Bloods, as filming wrapped over the summer. For now, though, he doesn’t seem to have any plans. I wouldn't mind seeing him jump into another ongoing show after his CBS procedural ends. Whatever comes his way, though, I'd imagine that he'll continue to lean on the experiences he's had to continue navigating celebrity life.

Magnum P.I. fans can buy episodes of the show on Prime Video. Also, tune in for the final episodes of Blue Bloods, which kick off on CBS on October 18. In the meantime, catch up on past episodes by stremaing them with a Paramount+ subscription.

There’s been a lot written since CBS decided to end Blue Bloods last winter. Much of this has come after series lead Tom Selleck expressed an interest in finding a way to keep the long-running police drama on the air. Reports have mentioned he may want to keep that steady network TV paycheck to keep his pricy avocado farm going. But how much does the mustachioed actor make for starring as Frank Reagan anyway?

In a report at Closer, a source reportedly spoke with the outlet about Tom Selleck's salary and how CBS feels about the actor coming out and saying CBS needs to "come to their senses" and renew the show for Season 15 (instead of cancelling it as the 2024 TV schedule comes to its conclusion).

The bit about the network also really interests me, but before we get there, let’s talk about this salary number bandied about.

There have been 285 episodes that have aired so far of the veteran series. Over the summer, Blue Bloods wrapped on its final episode order, which will add another six episodes to the tally, bringing the total to 293 -- sadly, just short of the 300 episode mark.

However, it’s worth pointing out for the final (and split) season the cast and crew took a 25% reduction in salary in order to keep the show going, so if the $200,000 number is accurate, Selleck likely only took $150,000 for the final 18 episodes. In addition, I’m presuming he made less during the show’s initial few seasons and that the $200,000 per episode was where he capped in salary and not where he started. Yet Selleck was a known entity when hired for the CBS drama and he has presumably been paid well from the get go.

To point out, no matter which way the cookie crumbles, $150,000 times 18 episodes is still a pretty penny, $2,700,000 in fact. And then take into the account that Blue Bloods did 14 seasons and often did seasons with 22 episodes, and you start to gain an understanding of how lucrative a network TV gig can be.

To just put this into perspective, even if Selleck — or any other cast member – were only paid $50,000 per episode, if you multiply that out times 293 episodes, you are looking at a whopping $14,650,000 over the course of the show’s run. And it's all but confirmed Selleck was paid way more than that. Not too shabby!

As the insider notes, those related to the series also make residual income from the show airing in reruns and on streaming services, as well. Though big taxes do get taken out, and network shows are hard work for a large swathe of the year, they are a solid, solid paycheck for those involved, particularly the cast.

Now, as to the rumors Selleck's comments are falling on deaf ears (it is the Eye Network I guess), that's an interesting tidbit I'd be interested in knowing more about the inner conversations the network is having behind closed doors. We do know there's been a big push to by push by CBS to maintain this is the final season of the series, and that's likely how it's going to play out. But I don't really blame Selleck for saying how he feels. The show has been highly rated on Friday nights after all, and it's not 100% obvious why it's wrapping when it is, though the paycuts everyone took do give us a hint.

Ever since it was learned that Blue Bloods was becoming one of 2024’s TV cancellations — ending a 14-year run on CBS this fall — fans have been campaigning to save the police procedural. Turns out, that’s not all they’re campaigning for. As we prepare for the remaining episodes of Season 14 to hit the 2024 TV schedule, Blue Bloods fans have been touting Donnie Walhberg to win People’s Sexiest Man Alive. The Danny Reagan actor himself responded to the outpouring of love, amusingly throwing his co-star Tom Selleck into the conversation.

The final episodes of Blue Bloods are set to kick off on October 18, and just a few weeks after that, People magazine will announce its readers’ pick for Sexiest Man Alive 2024. Fans apparently mocked up a magazine cover as if the New Kids on the Block singer had been picked, and Donnie Wahlberg shared his appreciation on Instagram Stories, where he gave his thoughts on who he thinks really deserves the honor. Wahlberg wrote:

It’s actually a really nice sentiment that Donnie Wahlberg would consider himself the “luckiest” or “happiest” man alive before he’d think of himself as sexy, but you can’t fight the opinion of the masses, and they have spoken.

He does make some good choices, though. The actor’s NKOTB bandmate Jonathan Knight is actually on the ballot, up for Sexiest “handy man,” which is in reference to his HGTV show Farmhouse Fixer.

Tom Selleck, meanwhile, has been one of Hollywood’s most attractive men — with one of the best mustaches in TV history — for decades, so writing his name on the ballot wouldn’t likely inspire any skeptical side-eye. I do love that Donnie Wahlberg threw his TV dad’s name into the ring, and even if the fictional Reagan men aren’t represented in People magazine come November, they’ll still be highly celebrated by fans enjoying their final Blue Bloods episodes.

People have really loved watching Danny Reagan — one of TV’s smartest detectives — over the years and his dynamic with New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, not to mention his sister, ADA Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan), and other Reagan family members. Donnie Wahlberg and Moynahan seem to have grown especially close, developing a real-life sibling relationship.

The show’s cancellation has been hard for even its stars to accept, with Tom Selleck making very public comments about his displeasure and keeping hope alive that CBS would change its mind. Donnie Wahlberg has also teased there might be “something else” in the works. We’re definitely down for all the Reagan family dinners they’re willing to cook.

Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck may not be People’s sexiest men, but they’re certainly good enough for Blue Bloods fans, and we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on them for the series’ final eight episodes. The conclusion of Blue Bloods Season 14 starts at 10 p.m. ET Friday, October 18, on CBS, and all episodes to date are available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.

When NCIS: Origins hits the 2024 TV schedule in October, fans are going to be introduced to a younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While the decade will have changed, fans of the flagship CBS series will be familiar with at least one of the other characters’ names and even possibly faces, too. That’s because Mike Franks’ signature facial hair will be alive and well on the mug of Kyle Schmid to portray the younger version of Gibbs’ mentor. Blue Bloods may be better known for its mustachioed men, but the NCIS prequel series seems to understand the importance of such a feature as well.

Muse Watson portrayed special agent Mike Franks in 20 episodes of NCIS from Seasons 3 to 15, and now fans will get the chance to see Gibbs and Franks in action earlier in their careers. Kyle Schmid appeared at TCA this summer looking the part, too, sporting a very Watson-esque mustache, TV Line reports, as he talked about having the freedom to add his own flair to the character — as long as he played within certain rules. And yes, the ‘stache definitely was one of the non-negotiable details, Schmid said, explaining:

Kyle Schmid sees the effects of Mike Franks earlier career on Muse Watson's face in the flagship series that is set to premiere its 22nd season the same night as NCIS: Origins Season 1 airs. It’s smart to tie that back to his physical appearance for the prequel, because it also serves as a touchstone for audiences to recognize the character.

There is a certain vibe that comes with good facial hair, and to be sure we’ve seen some great TV mustaches over the years. CBS might lead the field, especially with Tom Selleck starring on Blue Bloods. Before Selleck sported the signature ‘stache as Frank Reagan, he made the look popular on Magnum P.I., and that fact didn’t escape network execs. In fact, when Selleck offered to shave, suggesting a police chief — the position originally planned for Reagan — would likely not sport that look, the powers that be shot the idea down.

Kyle Schmid seems to be thinking along the same lines as far as how much a mustache can make the man, but NCIS: Origins viewers are going to get more than that. The actor has also taken note of the character’s hair, eyes and voice, going to great lengths to portray Mike Franks.

It’s certainly going to be fun to see Gibbs and Franks’ dynamic in this stage of their careers, so be sure to tune in at 9 p.m. ET Monday, October 14, on CBS for the premiere of NCIS: Origins, which will follow the start of NCIS Season 22. These series and the other NCIS spinoffs are also available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.

The annals of pop culture are littered with events, people and once incredibly popular things which eventually matter a lot less, but someone who has endured across 40-plus years is Tom Selleck. Currently preparing for his long-running hit, Blue Bloods, to end its run on the 2024 TV schedule, the actor is also still known for his now very iconic facial hair, and he recently revealed the groan-worthy joke about said mustache that he’s gotten a lot during his Hollywood career.

What Groan-Worthy Joke Has Tom Selleck Gotten A Lot About His Mustache?

We all love Tom Selleck, but let’s not beat around the bush here: the man is known for his mustache. Sure, he’s an amazing actor who brought private investigator Thomas Magnum, Dr. Richard Burke, NYC Police Commissioner Frank Reagan and more great characters into our lives, but one cannot undersell the importance of that ‘stache. It’s become so important (for his fans, anyway) to his overall Selleckness that CBS wouldn’t let him shave off his mustache for Blue Bloods in 2010.

As such, he’s spent much of his career getting questions about and attention for his famed facial follicles, even though he has worked without it at times. While speaking with The Telegraph recently, he opened up about a mustache-related joke that he’s gotten a lot during his time as a TV and movie star. When reminded that the roles he’s known most for have featured a proudly ‘stached Selleck, he replied:

Oh, boy. I’ve seen the OG Magnum P.I. star (who refuses to call the show by its full name) on many talk shows, but I’ve never witnessed this particular gag-inducing gag. It does seem like a very “I’m producing a talk show in 1985 and a famous actor with a famous mustache is coming on” thing to do, though, doesn’t it?

Luckily, once the definitely not retiring actor got tired of playing along with this particular mustache joke, he clued people in on how many times it’s been done and was likely able to halt any more offenses. Now, other actors who boldly sport a ‘stache can do so unimpeded by bad jokes! Or, this particular bad joke, and at least that’s something!

While Selleck still hopes that those at CBS will change their minds about keeping Blue Bloods on the list of shows canceled and ending in 2024, right now, its last fall premiere is set to take place on October 18.

Hollywood has a long history with the military. During World War II many actors and directors served and aided in the war effort in different ways. It goes way beyond that, however. Here is a list of actors who have served in the military, either in the US or in other countries. 

Drew Carey

Funnyman Drew Carey is not someone you expect would be a marine, but that's exactly what he was before making it big on television. The Price Is Right host served six years as a field radio operator in the Marine Reserves in his home state of Ohio after dropping out of college. You have to imagine being a radio operator would be a good experience for talking into a microphone, right?

Bea Arthur

During World War II, an entire generation of men were expected to do their part in the war effort. Women, on the other hand, were not expected to join the service. Bea Arthur thought differently and enlisted in the Marines. Of course, the world being what it was at the time, meant she served stateside, doing jobs like typing and later working in the motor pool. 

Jamie Farr

Though he is most famous for playing a corporal in MASH who did all he could to undermine the authority of his superiors, Jamie Farr served with distinction in the 1950s after being drafted in 1957. He was already in show business at the time, so much of his work involved USO shows. 

Mel Brooks

EGOT winner Mel Brooks served in the US Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He joined almost straight out of high school in 1943 and was sent to Europe at the end of '44. He was honorably discharged in '46 and embarked on one of the most legendary careers of all time. 

Adam Driver

Like many in his generation, Adam Driver was inspired to join the military in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Shortly after the attack, Driver signed up for the Marine Corps. The Star Wars actor is very proud of his service, though it was cut short after he injured himself off-duty and was medically discharged due to his injury. 

Robert Duvall

One of Robert Duvall's most famous roles was as the psychopathic Colonel Kilgore who loved the smell of napalm in the morning in 1978's Apocalypse Now. He probably drew on his experience in the United States Army, where he served for a year in the 1950s, just after the Korean War. 

Don Knotts

Don Knotts might be most famous for goofballs on The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company, but his time in the army was anything but goofy. Knotts served three years in the army during World War II and earned a slew of medals for his service in the Pacific theater. After the war, he embarked on what would become a legendary career in Hollywood. 

Morgan Freeman

It took a long time for Morgan Freeman to get famous, but once he did, he's been an ever-present voice in everyone's head. After high school Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years in the 1950s. After leaving the service, he moved to LA and got into acting, though it would really be another couple of decades of hard work before he found fame. 

Paul Newman

Few actors define "movie star" like Paul Newman. As one of the biggest stars of his generation, he is beloved for all of his roles over the years. Before heading to Hollywood, Newman served in the Navy during the Second World War, mostly on the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill. 

Richard Pryor

Comedy legend Richard Pryor made his business to ruffle feathers whenever and wherever he could. That includes during the two years he served in the army in the late 1950s. According to The New Yorker, he spent much of those two years incarcerated in a military jail after he and other soldiers stabbed a white soldier for a racial incident. 

Rob Riggle

Comedian Rob Riggle is one of the most dedicated Marines in Hollywood history. He joined in 1990 and served overseas multiple times throughout his 23-year career, including his time in the reserves. While most stints in the military were only a few years for the people on this list, Riggle served well enough and long enough to retire as a lieutenant colonel.

Jennifer Marshall

Jennifer Marshall might not be a household name yet, but fans of Stranger Things, know her as Max's mom Susan. Before becoming an actress, Marshall served five years in the Navy, including on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart was already one of the biggest stars in the world, having won an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story before he joined the army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Unlike some actors like Ronald Reagan, Stewart was in the thick of the fighting as a member of the Army Air Force and was well-decorated for it, including winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He remained in the reserves until well after the war, retiring in 1968 with the rank of brigadier general. 

Ice-T

Ice-T is not only an actor but one of the pioneers of hip-hop. He first got interested in music in the late '70s, while serving in the army. His time in the army wasn't exactly filled with glory, however. He was charged with theft while serving and eventually was found in dereliction of duty as a result. He cut his time short because he was already a single father and was honorably discharged in 1979. 

Gal Gadot

In Israel, most citizens are required to serve in the Israeli Defense Force and Gal Gadot was no different when she was drafted at age 20. She served her mandatory two years in the army as a combat fitness instructor. She was famously part of a Maxim Magazine spread of female Israeli soldiers during her time in the service before trying her hand at acting and landing her breakthrough role in Fast & Furious. 

Bob Ross

Famous for his calm demeanor and his big hair (a hairstyle he came to hate), Bob Ross doesn't seem like the military type. For most people, Ross is all about vegging out and destressing while watching him paint like magic on TV. Before all that though, he was a master sergeant in the Air Force. 

Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers is most famous for being Howard Stern's sidekick on his notorious radio show and co-starring with him in Private Parts, but long before she became a key part of Stern's team, she was an officer in the Air Force. She joined after college in 1975 and eventually rose to the rank of captain before leaving the military and starting her radio career. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Like a few actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger's time in the army was somewhat undistinguished. He, of course, served in his native Austria, which required one year of service from all young men. During his time, he was already a rising star in the bodybuilding world and he even went AWOL to compete. After he was discharged, he entered his first Mr. Universe competition, placing second, and the rest is history. 

Sean Connery

Though he just missed World War II, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy in 1946 at just age 16. No, he didn't serve on a submarine, and the James Bond star wasn't a spy. His time in the service was somewhat short-lived as he was discharged for a medical issue less than three years later. He remained proud of his service for the rest of his life, however. 

Caitlin Bassett

Quantum Leap star Caitlin Bassett is a rarity in Hollywood, a female combat veteran. Bassett served for seven years in the army, including three overseas deployments to Afghanistan before being honorably discharged in 2017 and embarking on her acting career. 

Gene Hackman

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1947 at just age 16. He served for almost five years as a radio operator, including for a year in China. After he was honorably discharged, he went to college and finally at age 30 started acting. it was a long road, but Hackman couldn't have imagined the success he'd find as one of the most beloved actors of his generation. 

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck served for six years in the California Army National Guard during the height of the Vietnam War. By serving in the National Guard, it meant he didn't end up going overseas to fight, but that should diminish his service. The Blue Bloods star began his career with bit parts on TV shows and in commercials while serving, though it was years before he famously had to turn down the role of Indiana Jones. 

Marlene Dietrich

Though she never formally served in the armed services, we could not make this list without Marlene Dietrich's fascinating story. The German-born actress renounced her German citizenship in 1939 when World War II began and she worked vigorously for the USO during the war years, supporting American GIs. Later in the war, she was recruited by the OSS to record songs used for propaganda against German soldiers. After the war, Dietrich was awarded the Medal Of Freedom for her service. 

Gregory Gadson

Battleship star Gregory Gadson is more famous for his service than his acting, which is unique on this list. Gadson is a West Point graduate who was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007. He lost both legs but learned to walk again using cutting-edge prosthetics and later, incorporating his injury into his character in Battleship. 

James Doohan

Star Trek legend James Doohan served bravely with the Canadian army during World War II and participated in the Normandy invasion on D-Day in 1944. He collected a number of medals for bravery during his time in the war and was even shot six times in the battle on Juno Beach on that fateful day. He later flew planes during the war as well. 

Charles Bronson

One of Charles Bronson's most beloved roles is that of an officer in one of the best war movies ever, The Great Escape. Though he was Polish in the movie, he served in the US Army Air Force during World War II as a gunner on a bomber. He served with distinction, flying on 25 missions in the Pacific during the war and earning a Purple Heart. 

Kris Kristofferson

As a singer-songwriter and actor, Kris Kristofferson has usually been connected to the counterculture, but it wasn't always that way. Kristofferson grew up an army brat and despite being a Rhodes scholar in college, he was pressured by his proud military family to join the service. He was commissioned as an officer and served in Germany after completing Ranger training. He left the army in '65 and moved to Nashville, and the rest is history.

Mark Valley

Fox's Human Target was a short-lived, underrated TV show with an all-star that included  Chi McBride, Jackie Earle Haley, Indira Varma, and Janet Montgomery. It was led by Mark Valley, who played Christopher Chance, based on a DC comic character from a book also called Human Target. Valley himself is a graduate of West Point who saw combat in the first Gulf War.  

Jake McLaughlin

One of the more interesting stories on this list belongs to Quantico star Jake McLaughlin. McLaughlin joined the army after high school and served in the Iraq war, seeing combat in the earliest days of the invasion. After getting out, he worked a few odd jobs before landing a role in In the Valley of Elah. From there, he's never looked back, landing roles in multiple TV shows and movies. 

Jesse Ventura

While Jesse Ventura, star of the wrestling squared circle and movies like Predator, never saw combat in Vietnam, he did have an impressive service career. He completed BUD/S school, which is SEAL training, and served as part of an Underwater Demolition Team, the predecessors to the SEALs. Later he would become a politician and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. 

J.W. Cortés

Fans of the Fox Batman prequel show Gotham will recognize J.W. Cortés as Detective Carlos Alvarez, who works with Jim Gordon in the Gotham PD. Cortés served for 13 years in the Marine Corps, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Remi Adeleke

2023's Plane is somewhat under-appreciated because it's a great action flick. Part of what makes it great is the breakout performance from Remi Adeleke. Adeleke plays part of a private military unit charged with rescuing passengers in a disabled plane stuck in the Philippines. Adeleke plays the part well because, well, he's a former SEAL in real life. 

As Tom Selleck prepares to say goodbye to Blue Bloods, the actor has been looking back on his long career, which spans several decades. One portion of his work that he’s really been reflecting on is his breakout (and Emmy-winning) role as Thomas Magnum in the original Magnum P.I. Thanks to his expanded fame as a result of the show, Selleck ultimately received much media attention and became the subject of rumors. And there was one piece of gossip that was apparently “bruising” for the actor.

Because celebrities are in the spotlight, that means they're prone to having their names come up in the rumor mill. That can either be good or bad for one's image or even both, depending on what the speculation is about. After Tom Selleck signed on to Magnum (despite the "horrible" pilot script), he and his ex-wife, former actress and model Jacqueline Ray, became the subject of a serious rumor involving their marriage. Selleck told The Telegraph what really happened and what it meant for his reputation:

I'd imagine that as a star, it's hard keeping your personal life private, given you're in the public eye. And, unfortunately, whether or not the Friends alum likes the term, it does “come with the territory.” Of course, that doesn't mean that rumors like the one he mentioned or others are fair, especially since it sounds like it was doing some damage to his mental health on top of the divorce. He and his former spouse were married for over 10 years, so one would think that that situation alone wasn't easy.

Luckily, it seems like Tom Selleck has managed to keep most of his personal life private over the years, and it might help that his ranch serves as a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Selleck still deals with rumors from time to time, of course, such as whether he’d be retiring after Blue Bloods or reports that his ranch needed to be sold after his time working on the aforementioned show ended.

Aside from the rumors that cropped up as a result of Magnum P.I., the series still marks a time in its leading man's life that he looks back fondly on. Before he landed his long-running CBS family drama (which ends later this year), even the Jesse Stone star thought Magnum was the lucky part of his career. The vintage detective show may have come with some unwanted side effects, but it seems like the man who played the eponymous role has done well for himself since.

Right now, Tom Selleck has no interest in retiring after Blue Bloods ends its run on 2024 TV schedule and is even holding out hope that the will still be saved from cancellation. That aside, hopefully, he’ll able to find a little bit more private time with his family as time goes on. Many celebrities are leaving Hollywood these days for simpler surroundings and if Selleck keeps his ranch, that could be the perfect spot for him to relax and try to keep out of the limelight.

CBS’ hit drama Blue Bloods is currently still set to join a bunch of other shows ending in 2024, though fans and even star Tom Selleck voiced desires for more, justifying its continuation by pointing to the show’s rating success on CBS and Paramount+. But while that show’s future looks to be set in stone, it looks like a completely different Blue Bloods is being set up as a TV show. So if Selleck needed a gig to jump to after playing Frank Reagan…

Granted, it might take a bit of convincing, since the newly announced Blue Bloods TV project is rather unlike anything Tom Selleck has signed on for in his career on the big or small screen. Rather, this title refers to a popular novel series from author Melissa de la Cruz, and it’s one that revolves around not NYPD police officers and lawyers, but vampires!

The rights to de la Cruz’s book series were snatched up by the Paramount Digital Studios banner company Awesomeness, as reported by Deadline, which technically puts it in the same entertainment family as CBS’ Blue Bloods. That said, the new project will almost definitely alter its title to avoid confusion with anyone who’s been watching the Reagans chowing down (or not) at family dinners for the past 14 years.

The literary tale also takes place in New York City, only this version is secretly ruled by vampires. When one of the immortal upper crust disappears, the other rulers begin fearing the existential threat of an ancient vampire breed rising up anew. This is happening simultaneously to the first human/vampire hybrid coming to terms with her existence after being exiled from the Blue Bloods, and 17-year-old Sky stumbles upon the evil force that could completely upend vampiric society.

This adaptation is being developed by Jacquie Walters, best known for family-friendly fare such as Prime Video’s Just Add Magic, the animated Polly Pocket series, and John Stamos’ Disney+ series Big Shot. She’d previously penned a pilot adapting Emily Bleeker’s novel Wreckage for ABC, which Mark Webb directed back around 2020. She’ll be writing the initial script while also serving as executive producer alongside Melissa de la Cruz.

The author, whose Blue Bloods series currently stands at nine novels, shared her excitement about the live-action adaptation with the following statement:

TV fans may be familiar with Melissa de la Cruz’s name from other projects, even if they haven’t read her novels. She also penned The Beauchamp Family, which was adapted into Witches of East End for Lifetime, and has written tie-in novels for Disney’s Descendants.

Considering the project is still in the earliest stages, we shouldn’t put all our blood-red apples in the basket just yet, but if everything goes smoothly during the development process, fans could possibly be streaming this new Blue Bloods with the same Paramount+ subscription they use for Tom Selleck’s show.

Through the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, fans of the long-running procedural will finally be reunited with the fan-favorite special agents. This, of course, means Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo, who most recently made a surprise return in the Ducky tribute episode, will be back in full force. According to him, Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. actually played a big role in creating Tony, and now I can't wait to see that influence when his character returns for this new series.

While rewatching an episode of NCIS with Cote de Pablo for their podcast, Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, the two got to talking about one particular scene where the characters are at a crime scene, and Tony geeks out over finding an authentic Magnum P.I. Hawaiian shirt. Weatherly revealed just how important Magnum really is to Tony, and it makes a whole lot of sense:

Both NCIS and OG Magnum P.I. were created by Donald Bellisario, which is why there are frequent mentions of the show and other Bellisario projects on the long-running procedural. It’s nice to see some inspiration pulled from Magnum and references as well. The two are certainly similar in a lot of ways and not just because of their big kid personalities, as Weatherly pointed out:

That might be one of the best things about entertainment, is that it is a form of escape for people, no matter what they’re going through. Tony does make quite a lot of pop culture references, and it’s arguably one of the best things about him. It can be a serious moment at a crime scene, and he brings up how something is like a movie from several decades ago. Knowing that there’s a deeper reason why he does that makes it all the better, especially since the job can get pretty dark, even with Weatherly's BTS pranks:

It’s very likely that when NCIS: Tony and Ziva premieres for Paramount+ subscribers, the pop culture, movie and show references will not stop. It should also give him more reason to include many international references as well, which will be something to look forward to. The possibilities are endless for storylines and what will happen in the series as Tony, Ziva, and Tali are on the run across Europe, meaning the possibilities for references are endless.

It would be fun if there was another Magnum P.I. reference in Tony and Ziva since the series and Thomas Magnum mean a lot to Tony and his overall character. Fans will just have to tune in to the upcoming spinoff to see what happens.

While a premiere date has yet to be announced, now would be a good time to binge-watch the original Magnum to see where the inspiration for Tony came from and why it’s so important. Unfortunately, the show and the retro TV theme song that still slaps aren't streaming anywhere, but it can be purchased on apps such as Apple TV, Google Play, and Prime Video.

We’re midway through the summer TV schedule at this point, which means fall TV is quickly approaching. On this schedule, fans know they will be getting the final 10 episodes of Blue Bloods, a bittersweet proposition for many, including the show’s cast, after the drama became one of the major TV cancelations of 2024. And while Season 14 officially wrapped production a few days ago, Tom Selleck at least is still holding onto the hope that “CBS will come to their senses.” But what’s driving this idea?

Selleck’s been making the rounds in support of his new book You Never Know: A Memoir, a title that feels like it mirrors his hopes the long-running Reagan family drama will continue into the future. (Though it's not what the book is about.) In one of these interviews he was asked about oft-saying he hopes the show will continue. Noting “it’s not like I’m retiring or anything,” the 79-year-old actor explained what he’s actually banking on when he’s made these comments in TV and print interviews. He told Country Living:

In fact, while CBS would characterize Blue Bloods as ending with a split Season 14, that’s not really how the longtime TV actor feels. Blue Bloods Season 14, Part 2 isn’t coming until the fall, and Selleck feels like it should be treated as an additional season.

He’s not wrong about any of this. Blue Bloods does still crush in its timeslot on Friday nights. And having a TV series air in the spring with another set of episodes in the fall would often be characterized as a new season by network TV standards. (Though there is some precedent with Bridgerton and other shows airing split seasons, as well.)

No matter how you cut it, though, the show will likely be ending next winter, no matter how hard Selleck pushes on the matter. I really think what fans should focus on are the possibilities for the future. There is some indication that the Eye Network has some sort of Blue Bloods continuation in the works, and given how vague the information is right now, there’s a ton of possibility that Frank Reagan or other characters could potentially pop in or be a part of whatever is in store for the franchise next.

And hey– maybe it would also give him some more free time to spend on the avocado ranch.

The end of Blue Bloods is getting closer and closer, and the cast and crew are starting to say their goodbyes. While Tom Selleck isn’t ready to say farewell, and probably never will be, the final day of filming made the fact that the end is coming very real. Now, after Donnie Wahlberg's touching message from the final day, a Blue Bloods writer threw in a Reagan family dinner reference to commemorate the end of an era.

When it comes to why Blue Bloods was on for so long, Reagan family dinners had something to do with it as they have been a mainstay since the pilot. It wouldn’t be surprising if the series finale -- which is airing later on the 2024 TV schedule -- ended with one last family meal. So it makes perfect sense that the final call sheet would include a reference to the famous dinners. Executive producer and writer Siobhan Byrne O'Connor shared an image of this on Instagram alongside a very sweet and heartfelt message:

While the final day of filming didn’t take place at the dinner table, ending on that quote is perhaps the best way to close it all out. It’s also likely that the cast and crew have had a Reagan family dinner-type meal before, making it all the more emotional. Even just seeing that reference at the end of the final call sheet is making me feel all my feelings, and I can’t imagine what it will be like come fall when the final batch of episodes air.

Blue Bloods is one of many shows ending or canceled in 2024, and it will be exceptionally hard to say goodbye when the time comes. As of now, there aren’t too many details surrounding the final eight episodes, but some are speculating that Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan could be retiring. At the very least, maybe he'll just step down from being the PC. It would be fun to see another Reagan take over the role to keep it in the family, but that might be a little far off for both Danny and Jamie. However, you never know what could happen.

Meanwhile, despite the cancellation, Blue Bloods fans are still trying to save the series, especially after fellow Friday night partner S.W.A.T. was saved for a second time. Dedicated fans have created petitions and campaigns in an effort to save the show, and Selleck is still hoping that CBS will “come to their senses.” Especially now that filming has wrapped, that might be a little bit harder to do that, but at least the series will get a proper finale and one last family meal.

A premiere date for the final episodes has yet to be announced, but it should be coming very soon. Although filming wrapped, there is still a lot of time left with the Reagan family, enough for fans to rewatch episodes of Blue Bloods with a Paramount+ subscription before the end is here.

Tom Selleck may be known for Blue Bloods now, but that hasn’t stopped him from still looking back on his Magnum P.I. days. The 79-year-old actor was known for his famous mustache in the ‘80s and playing the titular character on the CBS crime drama. Even today, the retro TV theme song still slaps. However, the show wasn’t always a shoo-in for success, and Selleck got some wise advice from people close to him back in the day..

It's hard to imagine that a show that ran for eight seasons and spawned a reboot years later was ever in danger of not moving forward. While looking back at his long-running career with Esquire, Selleck admitted that the initial script for Magnum was actually pretty bad. Even Rockford Files star and close friend James Garner knew that something wasn’t right, as Selleck explained:

Being excited for a new role only to find out that the script isn’t what you thought it would be can’t be easy. Magnum P.I. was Selleck’s first major lead role on television, and Thomas Magnum being perfect evidently wouldn't have made for a perfect show in his eyes. He got some great advice from Garner, who would know a thing or two about leading a TV show thanks to Rockford Files:

Standing up for yourself can definitely be nerve-wracking no matter what's on the line, but Selleck had the support of a good friend. And it clearly worked out, so it’s a good thing Tom Selleck took James Garner’s advice. That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t still nervous about the whole situation, but his father offered another piece of great advice:

Considering Magnum P.I. wound up being a pretty successful series, it’s a good thing Selleck listened to his friend and his father. The show would have been pretty different had there not been any rewrites, and it’s very possible that Selleck wouldn't have been the star. Tom Selleck’s supposedly accidental career has not been so easy over the last few decades, but he’s clearly learned a lot over the years.

Whether or not Selleck retires following Blue Bloods, perhaps he will continue to share the advice he’s gotten and his own advice for years to come. Magnum P.I. was big for a reason, and it might not have happened without Selleck’s father or James Garner.

For more than half a year, Blue Bloods' ending has felt really abstract. Like it’s something that we all know –well everyone but Tom Selleck knows – is happening, but it’s so far away still that it hasn’t really computed for me. That all changed when Donnie Wahlberg dropped one bombshell post: a touching video and message for the fans as the Season 14 finale finally, officially wrapped. 

It’s not uncommon for stars of long-running shows to share footage from the last day of filming, particularly when it's a series ender and not a season ender. The cast of Modern Family had a lot of sentimental posts when that comedy was filming its final episodes, for example. Now that Blue Bloods is saying goodbye, Donnie Wahlberg also shared a sweet post from the set, showing up after a stint with New Kids on the Block to film the end of his procedural drama. He also thanked the fans, the cast and crew, and particularly the NYPD for their support during the CBS show’s run. You can check out what he had to say, below. 

While Wahlberg had just the right touch of sentimentality to his post, the fans were clearly a bit emotional about what was happening. Many of them expressed sadness that the show will be ending. They aren’t the only ones. Both Wahlberg and Selleck have expressed they’d be excited to come back, and there is even a #SaveBlueBloods campaign in full swing as we speak. 

• I’m still in denial that it’s really ending. Some amazing memories of the set visits over the years. 💙
• 😞 Miss you Danny Reagan. But at least the bus is blue. 💙
• This family became part of our family. Will miss BB so much. 😢
• Blue Bloods will live on forever and though we will miss seeing new episodes, we will always watch the show! Thank you for all of your hard work and commitment! 🙌❤️ We appreciate you Donnie!!!!
• Full spectrum of emotions for you this week…New tour kick off, Celtics championship win and the close out of Blue Bloods. ❤️

Probably what’s the hardest thing for me is the fact the show just wrapped filming its final episode, now, in the middle of June. Everything about how Blue Bloods is ending has felt so off. There was the announcement that came even before Season 14 had premiered. Then, we had a spring finale that hit the schedule in May--but wait, there are still new episodes coming in the fall before the show officially gets canceled! 

Now, in the midst of June when most shows are on hiatus, the CBS drama is wrapping up, yet we have to wait until the fall to see those episodes? The whole thing has felt elongated. 

I’m not complaining, to be clear. I get that the show is filming between NKOTB shows and letting Tom Selleck have time on his avocado ranch. It even makes sense the drama would continue filming even after the spring finale given the shortened season in the fall, but as the one commenter noted it's easy to feel "denial" over the end being nigh.

At the end of the day, it's really nice CBS is giving this show a proper sendoff, particularly when a slew of 2024 shows were canceled by the network in the spring. I’m sure the likes of NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd would have loved the chance to say goodbye. So, on the one hand I feel grateful we are even able to have this post from Donnie Wahlberg. But on the other hand, the feelings I’m dealing with about the show ending are hard to explain. You know that moment of anticipation before a bandaid gets ripped off? It’s like I’m stuck with that feeling, only the tug never seems to come. I think it will probably feel that way until the fall 2024 TV premieres hit the schedule. 

Maybe then this whole thing will feel real. And hey, at least there may be a Blue Bloods “extension” to look forward to. 

Everybody's got their favorite Friends character when it comes to Ross Gellar, Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Gellar, Phoebe Buffay and Joey Tribbiani. But what about the dozens of other people who came in and out of their lives over the NBC Must See TV show's 10 seasons? Here are 32 side characters from one of the best sitcoms of all time that we still love today:

Janice Litman-Goralnik

Oh. My. God! Chandler's on-off girlfriend Janice Litman-Goralnik (Maggie Wheeler) was nothing short of iconic, and despite all the cute moments Chandler and Monica blessed us with in Friends' later seasons, there is still a contingency of the fandom that thinks he and Janice should have been endgame. 

Carol Willick

Things weren't always easy for Ross (David Schwimmer) and his ex-wife Carol Willick (Jane Sibbett), as the series opened with them navigating not just their divorce, but their unexpected pregnancy and her new relationship. However, they continued to be there for each other when needed — Ross walking Carol down the aisle at her wedding, for instance — and we couldn't help but love her too.

Julie

The six Friends had a lot of girlfriends come and go over the years, but poor Julie (Lauren Tom) was simply a victim of bad timing. She came back into Ross' life just as Rachel was finally reciprocating his years-long crush on her. Julie was never anything but sweet and kind, but nobody could have stood in the way of Ross and Rachel finally getting together.

Richard Burke

Tom Selleck was one of Friends' best guest stars, playing Richard Burke, Monica's fan-favorite Season 2 boyfriend. Forget the fact that he was 21 years older and her dad's best friend. He still fit in just fine with Monica's close-knit friend group, even if Joey and Chandler did see him more as a father figure. Their breakup because Richard didn't want to have more children was truly heartbreaking.

Gunther

No one will ever forget Gunther, the Central Perk barista with hair brighter than the sun. James Michael Tyler stood mostly quietly behind the counter for an impressive 162 episodes, secretly pining for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) the entire time.

Frank Jr.

Phoebe's half-brother Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi) really seemed to prove which side of the family her wacky personality came from. Frank Jr. was hard to rein in, but he had so much love for his sister, and you can't help but smile at how enthusiastic he was to be having triplets with his wife Alice. Because he never had a dad around, and "now I always will, 'cause, you know, it'll be me!"  

Marcel The Monkey

It was certainly a unique choice of Friends to bring in a pet monkey for Ross. Marcel, who was actually a capuchin named Katie, was a hilarious companion to the newly divorced character in the first season. To this day can Friends fans even hear "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" without thinking of Marcel?

Ugly Naked Guy

It may be strange to love a character whose face we never saw, but Ugly Naked Guy provided quite a few comedic moments for the gang watching him from Monica's apartment.

Rhonda

Sherri Shepherd has said she loved guest starring on Friends as Rhonda, a museum employee who helped Matt LeBlanc's Joey (a new tour guide) navigate the lunchtime situation. Just as Joey was hurt that Ross chose to sit with the other scientists rather than him, we can all understand why Rhonda called out Peter, a fellow employee she'd known since grade school, for the same thing. After all, she shared her pudding with him. She gave him her Snack Pack!

Sandra Green

Marlo Thomas made a few appearances over the years as Rachel's mother Sandra Green, and she was at her best when she was marveling at the life her daughter had created. Sandra had never had to take care of herself, and she admired Rachel for being brave enough to not go through with a wedding to a man she didn't love.

Jack Gellar

Who was more lovable than Ross and Monica's dad Jack? The character, played by Elliott Gould, may have still shown a little favoritism toward Ross, but Jack clearly had a soft spot for his little Harmonica. Fans continue to love him for his musings on being buried at sea, selling ice on the Internet and the sun-dried tomato business. Don't tell me your heart didn't melt when he went to check on Monica (Courteney Cox) after her breakup with Richard.

Estelle Leonard

Estelle Leonard, played by a heavily made-up June Gable, was not the most talented of talent agents, as Joey struggled as an actor possibly more than necessary over the years. However, her exaggerated New York accent and chain-smoking proclivities made for consistent laughs in an unforgettable role.

David

It's hard to believe Hank Azaria appeared in only three episodes as David, the scientist who was forced to move to Minsk (which is not in Russia) so soon after he and Phoebe fell in love. I wouldn't have been upset if she'd ended up with him.

Mike Hannigan

It's hard to argue against Mike Hannigan though. Paul Rudd played a pretty significant role in Seasons 9 and 10, as his character eventually married Phoebe. Mike didn't always understand Phoebe's unconventional ways, but he always allowed her to be herself, even if that meant changing his name to Crap Bag to prove a point to Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock.

Mr. Heckles

Anybody who's ever had a noisy upstairs neighbor can likely relate to Mr. Heckles. Larry Hankin's character was a bizarre one, indeed, as he spent his sporadic appearances either telling Monica and co. to keep it down or insisting that he could have a cat/play the oboe/have birds, etc. According to "The One With the Flashback," we also have Mr. Heckles to thank for Joey and Chandler becoming roommates!

Susan Bunch

Susan Bunch gets a bad rap on Friends, and I honestly don't get it. We all know that Ross was kind of the worst, and nobody got the brunt of his pettiness more than the woman Carol left him for. While their interactions were often strained, Susan was as understanding as possible of Ross' perspective, but she never allowed herself to be pushed aside, especially when it came to Carol or their son Ben, and I love that. 

Eddie

Man alive! Who didn't love this dehydrating maniac? Adam Goldberg played Eddie, Chandler's roommate when Joey temporarily moved into his own place. Eddie didn't always have a strong grasp on reality, and there was really nothing creepier than finding out he liked to sneak into Chandler's room to watch him sleep, but Eddie sure was an amazing character who fans continue to love to this day.

Ursula Buffay

The character of Ursula Buffay originated on Mad About You, with Friends creating Phoebe as her identical twin to justify Lisa Kudrow's appearance on both NBC series. Ursula was the "evil twin" of sorts, just as flighty as Phoebe but with none of the warmth. She was still a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

Leonard Green

It was interesting to get to meet Rachel's dad Leonard Green (Ron Leibman), the man who spoiled his three daughters so shamelessly, but the best part about this character was how ruthless he could be, particularly toward Ross. "Nice hair. What'd you do, swim here?" Classic.

Nora Bing

Like many of the Friends characters, Chandler had a loving but complicated relationship with his mom Nora Bing (Morgan Fairchild), particularly because of her line of work writing erotic novels. But how fun was it for his friends to be able to meet the woman who wrote page 79 of Mistress B... well, never mind.

Jill Green

If there's one thing we learned about Rachel's sisters on Friends, it's that they're used to getting what they want. Reese Witherspoon was a joy to watch as Jill Green, who easily manipulated everyone around her, even dating Ross for no other reason than to prove to Rachel that she could. After all, the only thing she can't have is dairy!

Erica The Birth Mother

Erica (played by Anna Faris) wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, but she made the process of Monica and Chandler adopting her twins extremely easy for them, despite the fact that they lied to her about their identities during their first meeting.

Erika The Obsessed Fan

Brooke Shields went way over the top to play Erika, Joey's stalker who somehow didn't understand that his soap opera character Drake Ramoray didn't exist in the real world. Her hand-licking scene lives in infamy, and who didn't love watching her throw water in Joey's face after she saw him kissing another character on Days of Our Lives? 

Paul Stevens

Things could have gotten all kinds of weird when Rachel started dating Paul Stevens (Bruce Willis), the father of Ross' girlfriend Elizabeth. Oh, and they definitely did get weird, but one can't blame Paul for giving himself that mirror pep talk before he continued his romantic weekend with Rachel. Everybody needs a little reminder that they're a neat guy (and a love machine).

Parker

Alec Baldwin guest-starred as Phoebe's date Parker in Season 8, and how could you not love how excited he got about every little thing? The brake lights were "aglow with the light of a thousand fairies!" The Long Island Expressway was "a concrete miracle!" Parker, I just want to take a mental picture of you ... click!

Pete Becker

Who hasn't dreamed of being pursued by a multi-millionaire? Jon Favreau guest-starred in six episodes as Pete Becker, and I can't even be mad that he tried to woo Monica by leaving $20,000 tips and whisking her away to Rome for pizza on their first date. Too bad their relationship couldn't withstand Pete's dream of becoming the Ultimate Fighting Champion.

Amy Green

While Rachel's sister Jill was defined by her manipulative personality, Amy Green was the very definition of self-centered. Christina Applegate's character couldn't be bothered to learn anyone's name (even Rachel's daughter Emma), constantly mistook Ross for a guy who worked at the falafel stand and somehow still thought she would get custody of Emma if something happened to Ross and Rachel. Talk about a character you loved to hate!

Judy Gellar

Christina Pickles appeared 19 times in Friends' 10 seasons as Monica and Ross' mom Judy, and while the micro-aggressions she hurled at Monica were pretty brutal, it was downright hilarious to see what aspect of her daughter's life she would nit-pick next: The un-fluffed pillow? The "easy" lasagna she made for dinner? Still not having a boyfriend? It was a lot, but it was relatable to a lot of Friends viewers.

Mr. Treeger

Sure, Mr. Treeger made Rachel cry that one time, but he wasn't exactly wrong in calling her out for being spoiled. As far as building superintendents go Michael G. Hagerty's character was a pretty nice one, not evicting Monica from the apartment she was apparently living in illegally. He also had a great storyline where he learned to dance so he could impress a woman he liked at the Super Ball.

Alice Knight

If you can get past the age difference between Frank Jr. and his wife Alice Knight (Debra Jo Rupp), and the fact that he was her student (her BEST student, obviously), the love between them was so undeniable. In pretty much all of their appearances together, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other, and that's one of the things that made Alice such a great side character.

Charlie Wheeler

Ross and Joey each had a lot of girlfriends over the series' 10 seasons, and they both dated Aisha Tyler's Charlie Wheeler. One can certainly see how they'd both be attracted to her, as she was brilliant, beautiful and pretty funny too. Frankly it was also nice to see a Black character with a major storyline.

Kathy

It's a little surprising that Kathy is so beloved by Friends fans, given the fact that she ultimately cheated on both Joey and Chandler. But the Joey situation was just unfortunate, because he was dating other people too, and Paget Brewster's on-screen chemistry with Matthew Perry was simply electric. I join many other Friends fans in wishing she and Chandler had lasted longer ... and ended differently.

Friends may have aired its final episode decades ago, but you know what they say: I'll be there for you, and that includes all of the beloved side characters that we met along the way. You can revisit any of your favorite episodes and guest stars, as all 10 seasons are available to stream with a Max subscription.

While Blue Bloods wrapped its run in just the same manner as most other network TV shows in May, it’s on a very different path. That’s because unlike most shows that were canceled in 2024, May 17th’s “The Heart of A Saturday Night” actually marked a midseason finale and not a finale for the veteran CBS drama. The show will return for the latter half of Season 14 in the fall, and afterward will be ending it's run on the Eye Network. But there are a lot of questions still lingering about the end of the show. 

Thankfully, showrunner Kevin Wade is here to answer some of those fan questions, and one response in particular has me intrigued. In recent years, there have been some moments on Blue Bloods hinting at the possible retirement of Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck. The mayor, for example, has skirted around the idea of a new  commissioner in NYC, prompting the fans to have one major question about Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. 

Will Frank Reagan Retire?  

I’m actually a little surprised Wade has answered the question for fans before the final episodes wrap, as it feels like a good direction the show could go in coming up. Yet, Blue Bloods has no intention of exploring that storyline. Per the showrunner, there’s a good reason for that. He said: 

Elsewhere in the interview with TV Insider, Wade also was asked about the future of the characters beyond the end of the CBS show. He noted, “we can’t even go” there when asked about what’s next, and coupling that with the info Frank Reagan may still be a man in power at the end of the series has me a quite intrigued. 

Why Frank Reagan’s Future In The NYPD Has Me Intrigued 

Just a few days ago, the powers that be at CBS’ parent company Paramount spoke up about the future of the franchise. In fact, CEO Brian Robbins opened up about the upcoming slate coming to the 2024 TV schedule and beyond. In addition to some heavy hitter spinoffs to NCIS and Fire Country in the works, he spoke about more Blue Bloods endeavors potentially coming down the pipeline, calling the project an “extension” of the Reagan family drama. 

Look, “extension” is a very carefully chosen word. While CBS has been clear Blue Bloods is 100% ending this fall, it’s also obvious the fanbase is sad to see the longtime drama go. In fact, a "save Blue Bloods" campaign has been in the works and gaining traction. Another project in the same world could appease that fanbase, but what does it mean? And could Frank Reagan be involved?

An extension could be something as simple as a spinoff that could allow Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg and other major players to be involved or at least pop-in from time-to-time. It could be a prequel of some sort, like Young Sheldon on CBS, which coupled a new cast with elements from The Big Bang Theory. Given Frank is a legacy police commissioner in a family with a long and storied police history, this could be an interesting way in. 

That’s not all it could be though. In fact, another project could be a spiritual successor in which a new commissioner took over and a new family is followed, allow Frank to effectively retire after Blue Bloods' run. The word “extension” is so vague the possibilities are practically endless. The most intriguing part of this whole thing to me is that Tom Selleck has been bullish about wanting to stick around. So, if Frank Reagan is not retiring, the future could still be looking reasonably bright for the character, depending on what CBS has planned. 

It’s been months and months since we first learned CBS had decided to cancel Blue Bloods. When most shows end, the end comes swiftly, but that has not been the trajectory of the Tom Selleck starrer, which is still expected to return on the fall 2024 TV schedule for one final run of episodes. Because it ain’t over until it’s over, this elongated cancelation has led to a lot of back and forth between the Eye Network and Selleck himself, who previously said he believed CBS would “come to their senses” in regards to the decision. As it turns out, two things might be true at once. 

What CBS Has Said About Blue Bloods Ending

Amidst all of the canceled and ending 2024 shows, there’s a lot of CBS fodder. It was a bit of a bloodbath at the network, as the channel said goodbye to fan-favorites like Blue Bloods, CSI: Vegas, NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd, among others. Of course, there’s been pushback from the fanbases in regards to some of those shows, with fans of the Reagan family drama coming out of the woodwork to ask CBS to renew the series. 

This prompted the powers that be at the network a few weeks ago to come out and explain that while hard decisions had to be made this TV season, those decisions were finalized. The network admitted that while they “love this cast,” that’s not enough. Head honcho Amy Reisenbach was very firm when she noted, “We are going to end the show come December.” 

That sounds like bad news for the fans, but not so fast.

What Tom Selleck Has Said About Blue Bloods Ending

The mustachioed actor has made no bones of his disdain for CBS’ decision. He and castmates like Donnie Wahlberg said prior to the cancellation that they felt the series had a lot of life left in it. So, when the show was canceled it was a blow. Separately, there have been rumors about Selleck’s expensive avocado ranch and how it may have a lot to do with how outspoken he’s been with keeping the series on the air. Rumor has it, he may simply need the money.

Either way, the end result has been that Tom Selleck has said he’d like Blue Bloods to stay on the air. He has a reasonably good argument, too. Firmly and repeatedly, he has mentioned how popular the show is within CBS’ Friday night lineup. It's a fact it wins its timeslot. Unlike a lot of CBS’ other canceled shows, Blue Bloods is not among the lower-rated programs on the network, at all. For Selleck, he’s “going to do whatever it takes” to keep the show on the air. 

Now, a recent tease from the network has me seeing how there could be a path forward with Blue Blood still ending. 

A Blue Bloods Spinoff? Let's Call It An 'Extension' 

One of the reasons (allegedly) CBS had to shift so much stuff around had to do with parent network Paramount’s potential impending merger, which So Help Me Todd actress Marcia Gay Harden touched on after her own show was also canceled. Budgets are really up in the air right now, so people were paying attention when Paramount had its annual stockholders meeting this week. During this meeting, global CEO Brian Robbins spoke out. 

He did not disappoint. In fact, he spoke about the status of the TV arm of the company, and mentioned several franchises that may be getting new iterations on TV (or probably) streaming, noting "world class content will always be a priority." He spoke about the company's "billion dollar brand strategy and teased building out franchises as a larger company goal.

So how does that impact Blue Bloods? Here’s Robbins’ short but succinct tease: 

This is the first mention of “extensions” for Blue Bloods, but it would make sense for CBS. The network already has myriad iterations of NCIS, past and present. It also recently greenlighted the Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. As noted in the call, a Fire Country spinoff (also a Friday night show) has been in the works for a while. 

A spinoff, excuse me, extension of the New York cop drama would be a way to bring in fresh blood (pun intended). It could also potentially help to bring down the bloated budget of Blue Bloods while still keeping some fan-favorite cast members in the fold. 

Only time will tell if that would include Tom Selleck’s detective Frank Reagan, as CBS has given no indication of how the network feels about the outspoken way he's handled Blue Bloods ending so far. Regardless, a potential spinoff does feel like it would be a compromise for the fans, fans who are devastated about the axing of their weekend show. They are fans who love the family dinner scenes but who may be open to new characters and storylines 14 years in. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the franchise expands.