Since its debut in 2010, Blue Bloods has captivated audiences with the Reagan family’s dramatic tales and strong on-screen presence. But beyond the compelling storylines and intense performances, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes secrets that fans might find intriguing.

A Toast to Scotch?

Despite being an Irish-American family, the Reagans of Blue Bloods are frequently seen sipping Scotch whiskey rather than Irish whiskey. While it’s unclear whether this was deliberate or just a stylistic choice, it provides a distinct flavor to the series. For practical reasons, the props department substitutes iced tea for whiskey and grape juice for wine to avoid excessive drinking throughout many takes.

Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg: Real-Life Father and Son?

Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan) and Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan) have developed a genuine father-son bond over their 11 years working together. Wahlberg has shared that they even call each other “dad” and “son” off-screen. Their relationship extends to their generous nature; both actors are known for their significant tips. Wahlberg once left a $2,020 tip at an IHOP, a gesture that inspired others and even caught Selleck’s attention, though Selleck kept his own $2,020 tip a secret for weeks.

Sunday Dinners and Food Faux Pas

The legendary Sunday family dinners, which are the focus of each episode, are filmed first thing in the morning. Actors must undergo several takes, sometimes lasting eight hours, making the situations less appealing. To avoid spoilage, the show’s dinners exclude perishable ingredients such as fish.

The Terenciano Brothers: On-Screen and Off-Screen Siblings

In a fun twist, Danny Reagan’s sons, Sean and Jack, played by Andrew and Tony Terenciano, are actually brothers in real life. The Terencianos began their acting careers as child models and were cast as Danny’s sons when they were very young.

Authenticity and Real Connections

Blue Bloods prides itself on authenticity, with an NYPD detective reviewing each script for accuracy. Abigail Hawk, who plays Detective Abigail Baker, has real-life ties to the NYPD through her marriage to FDNY Lieutenant Brian Spies.

Almost Filming in Toronto

Initially, the show encountered a fiscal difficulty that nearly forced it to film in Toronto rather than New York City due to hefty state taxes. However, successful negotiations enabled the play to remain in its famous setting.

The Mustache Dilemma

When Tom Selleck joined the cast, producers briefly considered asking him to shave his signature mustache. Thankfully, CBS executives decided it was essential to his character, keeping the iconic look that has become synonymous with Frank Reagan.

Blue Bloods continues to evolve while maintaining its strong connection with fans. The show’s enduring appeal is a testament to its talented cast and their genuine camaraderie.