Why ‘Blue Bloods’ Stars Are ‘Upset and Sad’ Ahead of Series’ Final Season

Blue Bloods stars Donnie Wahlberg and Bridget Moynahan appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show Tuesday (via People) to discuss the final season of CBS’ juggernaut police procedural, which is about to embark upon its 14th and final season.

After Barrymore asked the actors if they felt "happy and satiated" with the show’s massively successful run, Moynahan reported she was feeling “more upset and sad” facing the prospect of no longer working with the crew that’s become their family.

"I think it's more saying goodbye to the people behind the characters," Moynahan said. "We've created such a family on set with each other and the crew—most of the crew's been with us for 14 years, so we've been through a lot of weddings, births, deaths, and everything. We've been through it all with each other."

Moynahan went on to praise Wahlberg, calling him her “biggest supporter” on the set. She went on to explain how Wahlberg went to bat for her when executives behind the scenes doubted that Moynahan had the chops to direct an episode of the final season.

"I don't remember who it was, so I'm not throwing anyone under the bus,” Wahlberg explained, “but somebody came to me early on, someone said, 'Oh, Bridget wants to direct,' and I was like, 'Yeah, and? She's gonna do it, right?'" he continued.

"It was like, do you think there's anything that she can’t do?” Wahlberg asked rhetorically. “She's been lights out, phenomenal, she's so…When you do what we do, you just know, and she just stepped right in and is so good."

The final season of Blue Bloods, to be split into two parts, was announced in November. Wahlberg and his co-stars, including Tom Selleck, accepted a significant pay cut of 25 percent to keep the show on the air for one more season, ensuring jobs for the below-the-line crew members.

"I love Blue Bloods,” Wahlberg told People in November, “and I think if there weren't a season 14, the loyal fans of the show would be very, very outraged," he said. "They're part of the Reagan family. The audience is the extended family."

The first episode of Blue Bloods’ 14th season premieres Friday night at 10 p.m. EST on CBS.