CBS Studios President David Stapf recently provided insights into the potential spinoff of the beloved police procedural drama Blue Bloods. With the original series set to conclude with its final episodes in October on CBS, the network is exploring avenues to extend the franchise’s legacy into new territory.
Confirmation of the SpinoffIn a recent interview with Deadline, Stapf confirmed that discussions are underway for a Blue Bloods spinoff. He emphasized that while there are intentions to continue the popular brand, the process is still in its early stages. Stapf highlighted the importance of getting the spinoff right and ensuring it resonates with fans of the original series, as mentioned in the report by Screenrant.
Stapf’s statement on the spinoff development process:
“We don’t have anything that’s going to be in development soon but it’s a brand, a title and a show that is beloved. We’ve got to get it right so we’re taking our time and trying to figure it out, okay, what is the next iteration of Blue Bloods? We have a whole season to go where we intend to celebrate it all season long as to how good that show is, so there’s still time for us to figure that out.”
Exploring Potential Storylines
While details remain scarce, potential directions for the Blue Bloods spinoff include following the successful model of franchises like NCIS, known for its various spinoffs and continuations.
The spinoff could explore prequel storylines or focus on specific characters from the original series, similar to the upcoming NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, as per the Screenrant report.
CBS’s Track Record with Spinoffs
CBS has a proven track record with successful spinoffs, as seen with NCIS and CSI. These franchises have expanded their universes through innovative storytelling and exploring different facets of their fictional worlds. This approach may provide clues to how CBS plans to extend the Blue Bloods universe beyond its current boundaries.
Financial Considerations
Reports suggest that the decision to conclude Blue Bloods after its 14th season is influenced by financial considerations, including production costs. The cast and producers have reportedly agreed to pay cuts to facilitate the final season, underscoring the economic realities faced by networks amidst budget constraints.