This fall, the 2023 TV calendar is much lighter than normal, with most of network television’s biggest scripted shows missing new episodes. The WGA writers strike and the SAG-AFTRA actors strike over the summer meant that production on shows like Blue Bloods simply did not resume following the end of the spring finale season, despite the fact that the Tom Selleck-led drama was renewed for Season 14. While fans must wait for never-before-seen Reagan family dinners, CBS is appealing for help with reruns.
This fall, instead of new episodes, Blue Bloods will play vintage episodes from the first thirteen seasons on CBS on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET. This will not be a random selection of cases or even Reagan family meals (of which there are many), and the network is asking people to make some choices. Between August 31 and September 8, viewers can vote for their favorite episodes from the hit drama’s history, which began in 2010. 275 episodes have aired as of this writing.
CBS has reduced those 275 candidates down, and fans may vote by following @CBSBlueBloods on Facebook. According to the Facebook page, each of the ten episodes will show weekly beginning on Friday, September 29 and will count down to the one with the highest votes. Here are the ten possible episodes:
- Season 1, Episode 22: “The Blue Templar”
- Season 4, Episode 3: “To Protect and to Serve”
- Season 5, Episode 22: “The Art of War”
- Season 8, Episode 22: “My Aim is True”
- Season 9, Episode 22: “Something Blue”
- Season 10, Episode 14: “The Fog of War”
- Season 10, Episode 19: “Family Secrets”
- Season 11, Episode 12: “Happy Endings”
- Season 11, Episode 16: “Justifies the Means”
- Season 12, Episode 6: “Be Smart or Be D3ad”
Personally, I’m sh0cked CBS didn’t include at least one episode from Season 13 to keep recent events fresh in viewers’ thoughts while the wait for Season 14 continues, with the episode involving a Magnum P.I. reunion being a contender. Still, it must be difficult to reduce 275 to just 10! Season 13 is also available to stream with a Paramount+ membership, making it easy to catch up on the most recent season. Season 1, Season 5, Season 8, Season 9, and the abbreviated Season 11 are all represented on that list.
CBS chose the episodes based on characteristics such as noteworthy character arcs, the introduction of significant characters, and excellent guest performers. The amusing fan movement comes just a few days after star Tom Selleck’s rep denied rumors about the actor having problems on work, though there is no indication on when the program would return with fresh episodes. Blue Bloods had to make some budget sacrifices in order to earn a Season 14 renewal, but at least CBS ordered another season without laying off practically all of the series regulars, as happened with Bob Hearts Abishola!
You may vote for the Blue Bloods classic episodes that will be counted down on CBS this autumn on the show’s Facebook page. You could also create your own curated list and broadcast it on Paramount+ without the fan participation.
The episodes were chosen by CBS for factors including memorable character arcs, the introductions of characters who would go on to become key, and outstanding guest stars. The fun fan initiative comes not too long after star Tom Selleck’s rep debunked rumors about the actor having trouble on set, with no word on when the show will be back with new episodes. Blue Bloods had to undergo some budget cuts to get the renewal for Season 14, but at least CBS ordered another season without cutting almost all of the series regulars like what happened with Bob Hearts Abishola!
If you want to vote for the Blue Bloods classic episodes that will be counted down this fall on CBS, you can do so on the show’s Facebook page. Or you could just make your own curated list and stream via Paramount+, but without the fan participation.
