Actors on ‘Blue Bloods’ Make Sacrifices to Sustain the Show
Ever since its premiere on CBS in 2010, “Blue Bloods” has consistently captivated audiences, making it a mainstay for the network. The series revolves around a family deeply immersed in law enforcement in New York, boasting an ensemble cast of actors who have been an integral part of the show from the very beginning. However, recent developments indicate that the cast of “Blue Bloods” is now facing a difficult decision as they are asked to take a pay cut, though they are certainly not the first in the industry to do so.
Despite challenges, ‘Blue Bloods’ Season 14 moves forward
When “Blue Bloods” first launched, the inclusion of Tom Selleck in the role of New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan was a major selling point. Selleck, a seasoned TV veteran with a remarkable career that includes iconic shows like “Magnum, P.I.,” undoubtedly added to the show’s appeal. However, it is important to recognize the significant contributions of co-stars Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and Will Estes, who have played equally vital roles in the show’s success up to this point. Thus, the recent news of pay cuts comes as a disappointment to fans.
On the one hand, “Blue Bloods” Season 14 has been officially confirmed. However, according to Deadline, the cast will return with a 25 percent reduction in pay. This situation is not uncommon for a show in its advanced stages, as negotiations often become more complex. It’s worth noting that this pay decrease affects all the above-the-line talent, which likely includes showrunner Kevin Wade and the rest of the producing team.
Pay cuts among actors are not exclusive to ‘Blue Bloods’
Deadline reported that the actors and producers of “Blue Bloods” agreed to the pay cuts to ensure the employment of hundreds of crew members and support personnel for at least another year. This move mirrors similar instances in the industry. For instance, the majority of the principal cast of “The Big Bang Theory” accepted a $100,000-per-episode pay cut in support of co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, who were advocating for equal pay for the entire ensemble, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Such acts of solidarity have been witnessed in other popular shows as well. The cast of “Friends” united to ensure that all six main actors received equal compensation. These instances are not limited to television; they also occur in the realm of movies. For example, Keanu Reeves took a substantial pay cut for “The Devil’s Advocate” to secure the hiring of co-star Al Pacino. Similarly, Kristen Stewart accepted a salary that amounted to only around 1 percent of her “Twilight” earnings for her role in “On the Road.” And Jonah Hill famously worked for scale in order to star in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Season 15 likely marks the end of the series
Given CBS’s budget constraints, it appears increasingly probable that “Blue Bloods” may be nearing its conclusion. A couple of years ago, Selleck and Moynahan hinted at the possibility of the show concluding after Season 15. With the recent news, their predictions may indeed become a reality.
While it remains unclear whether “Blue Bloods” Season 15 will come to fruition, there is a chance that it will serve as the final season of the show. This would provide the creative team with an opportunity to craft a meaningful finale that satisfies loyal fans while also allowing the cast and crew to embark on their next ventures. Only time will reveal the ultimate fate of this beloved series.
