Donnie Wahlberg shares behind-the-scenes fun times with co-star Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods

As the beloved CBS drama "Blue Bloods" prepares to conclude its impressive 14-season run, lead actors Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the show's iconic Sunday dinner scenes. These family gatherings have become a hallmark of the series, captivating audiences and fostering a sense of unity among both the characters and the cast.

The Evolution of Reagan Family Dinners

Donnie Wahlberg, who portrays Detective Danny Reagan, reminisced about the first dinner scene and the pressure he felt to establish his character's persona. "At the first dinner scene, I had to be fully committed to this character and who he was," Wahlberg explained. "And to do that with Tom Selleck sitting at the head of the table? He's an icon."

"There's a genuine affection when we get together for dinner scenes. There's a genuine gratitude at that table." - Donnie Wahlberg

The Art of Subtext in Dinner Scenes

Tom Selleck, who plays family patriarch Frank Reagan, shared insights into the intricacies of filming these pivotal scenes. "Dinner scenes are hard because your focus is not what you're eating," Selleck revealed. "It's really not even your lines, it's your subtext. Audiences don't care about the words, they want to see the subtext."

This emphasis on subtext has allowed the dinner scenes to become a powerful storytelling tool, providing a weekly check-in for characters navigating the dangers of their law enforcement careers.

From Cast to Family: A 14-Season Journey

Wahlberg reflected on the cast's transformation over the years, noting how they evolved from "a really good cohesive cast who really respected each other" to a genuine family. This evolution mirrors the on-screen dynamic of the Reagan clan, creating a unique synergy between the actors' real-life relationships and their fictional counterparts.

"It's an incredible blessing to have that dinner scene as a check-in every week, much like the Reagans do, fictionally." - Donnie Wahlberg

The Legacy of Blue Bloods

As "Blue Bloods" approaches its final season, the impact of these family dinner scenes extends beyond the confines of the show. Wahlberg emphasized the importance of these moments, stating, "For us to have that in real life, it's a pretty spectacular thing — and I don't think we'd be here 14 seasons without it."

Key Takeaways:

• The Reagan family dinner scenes have become a defining feature of "Blue Bloods"
• Actors emphasize the importance of subtext in bringing these scenes to life
• The cast's real-life bond has grown to mirror the on-screen family dynamic
• These weekly gatherings have contributed significantly to the show's longevity

As "Blue Bloods" prepares to bid farewell, fans can look forward to savoring these cherished family moments one last time. The final season promises to deliver the heartfelt interactions and compelling drama that have made the show a staple of CBS programming for over a decade.