Cast Agreed to 25% Pay Cut to Keep Blue Bloods On Air; Here's How Much Money They Will Lose
The venerable cop drama, Blue Bloods, is back for its 14th season, but there's a catch – and a big one at that.
According to THR, the cast and producers, in a fit of altruism or perhaps mild insanity, have agreed to take a 25 percent pay cut to ensure that the show goes on, and their dozens of production staffers stay employed for another season.
With Blue Bloods taking a pay cut, it begs the question: should it keep airing for more than 14 seasons? Well, considering that most cop dramas these days have as much originality as a broken record, maybe it's time for CBS to think about a new tentpole series. Blue Bloods has had a good run, but with the stars now sacrificing their earnings, it could be time to give the Reagan family a well-deserved retirement.
On the other hand, if CBS decides to milk the Blue Bloods cash cow for all it's worth, what show could possibly replace this tentpole series? It's a tough act to follow, especially considering the fact that there's nothing new and exciting that can carry the torch.
But, let's go back to Blue Bloods for a moment. With the stars taking a pay cut, it's clear that they're dedicated to their fans, their characters, and the overall narrative. It's commendable that they're willing to make such sacrifices to keep the show on air. However, it's essential to remember that this sacrifice isn't just about the big-name stars. The production team is also taking a hit, and while their losses might not look as impressive as the cast's, they're the ones who'll feel the difference much more.
Let's take a look at the actual numbers:
- Tom Selleck, who plays Frank Reagan, was earning $200,000 per episode. With the pay cut, he'll be losing a whopping $1 million for the new season.
- Donnie Wahlberg, who stars as Danny Reagan, had a previous salary of $150,000 per episode. For the upcoming season, he will lose a substantial $750,000.
- Bridget Moynahan, who portrays Erin Reagan Boyle, was earning $100,000 per episode. Due to the pay cut, she'll receive $500,000 less at the end of the next season.
Will Estes, who stars as Jamie Reagan, and Len Cariou, who plays Henry Reagan, will also experience pay cuts, although the exact figures for their salaries are not publicly available. However, it's safe to assume they will be sacrificing a significant portion of their income to keep the show on air.
Blue Bloods' Uncertain Future: Will Season 14 Deliver or be the Show's Swan Song?
As the curtain lifts for the 14th season, viewers will inevitably ask themselves if the pay cut was worth it. Will the storyline continue to grip audiences, or will it begin to show its age?
Even though the cast has made a generous decision, it doesn't guarantee that the show will maintain its high quality – and some fans have long been saying that the show is not what it used to be. Perhaps it's time for the writers to pull up their socks and ensure that the Reagan family's story remains as captivating as ever.
The fate of Blue Bloods after the 14th season remains uncertain, and with the stars and production team taking a pay cut, it's hard not to wonder if this might be the show's swan song. Fourteen years is an impressive run, and perhaps it's time to give the Reagan family a proper sendoff.