A new report highlights the fact that Blue Blood season 14 drew stronger ratings than the show that will replace it in the timeslot. After a series that lasted more than a decade with a total of 293 episodes Blue Blood the season ended in December. The police procedural's latest run of episodes proved to be a lightning rod, not for any specific plot decision, but more so for the fact that CBS decided to end the show despite its consistently strong performance with viewers.
TV line analyzed the highest-rated programs on broadcast television in the middle of the 2024-2025 TV season. Blue Blood season 14 ranked sixth, emerging as the broadcast's fourth most-watched drama. Including Live+7 numbers, which account for ratings over seven days, season 14 drew an average of 7.9 million viewers. The final season drew a 0.46 in the key 18-49 demographic. In general, ranks sixth among all programs (scripted and reality) aired by CBS.
As for SCAM 8th season, which will take over the old Blue Blood 10pm ET time when it returns on Friday, January 31st, comes in 16th place of all programs shown by CBS. It drew an average of 5.6 million viewers, representing Live+7, and a 0.47 in the key demographic. The list was topped by Tracker Season 2, which is the most-watched scripted series on broadcast TV, followed by Kathy Bates' Matlock restart. The third program was the long-running news magazine 60 minutes.
What the ratings difference means for Blue Bloods
The end of the program follows a trend
According to reports, season 14 was not originally planned to happen. But the series was able to move forward and get some semblance of closure when the Blue Blood The cast and producers agreed to a pay cut that would keep the show's large crew employed and help give the series a proper send-off. The situation speaks to the fact that series cost more as they age, due to salary increases for actors and others involved in producing the show.
Due to changing viewing habits and declining advertising revenues, networks and studios have been looking for ways to reduce costs. In many cases, this has meant dropping shows even in cases where ratings are high. Young Sheldon (CBS), The Good Doctor (ABC), and 9-1-1: Lone Star (FOX) are among the shows that have ended or will soon end, in part due to the cost-cutting approach.
Each case is different. Young Sheldonthe creators said, for example, that the series came to a natural end. But at the same time, the actors of the comedy expressed their surprise that such a successful series would not have the chance to continue. SCAM is no different, having been canceled twice. It was brought back after discussions about reducing the budget, which meant the departure of important main cast members and new additions to the cast. As of this writing, SCAM Season 9 is not confirmed.
Our thoughts on Blue Bloods ending with Season 14
There could have been a universe where Blue Blood season 15 happened. But how SCAMmay have featured major cast departures and changes in core dynamics. It may be a blessing, in a way, that the CBS series was able to say goodbye to the Reagan family gathered around a dinner table.
Source: TV Line