In an unfortunate turn of events for fans of the hit series “Blue Bloods,” it has been revealed that Detective Joe Hill, played by Will Hochman, will not return for the balance of Season 14. Despite initial anticipation for his character’s return, it appears that Joe Hill’s plot will not be explored in this season, leaving viewers with only a few episodes featuring the young investigator.

It’s evident that Joe Hill’s presence will be sorely missed. Although no official word has been given regarding his potential appearances in Season 14, fans remain hopeful for his return in the future. Given Joe’s popularity among viewers and his connection to the Reagan family, it seems plausible that his character could be further developed in upcoming seasons.

While Detective Hill’s absence may disappoint fans, viewers can take comfort in the anticipated return of other beloved characters such as Nikki Reagan-Boyle and Jackie Curatola. Their appearances are expected to give complexity to the remaining episodes of Season 14.

As speculation mounts regarding Joe Hill’s future on the show, fans can only hope for his eventual return and closure on his storyline.

Joe Hill (Will Hochman) shook up the Reagans’ world when he joined the family dinner table during Season 10 of “Blue Bloods.” But how many times has he appeared on the show during that season and the next three?  If you want to see more of Joe’s attempt to blend in with his newfound extended family, he’s appeared in a total of 14 episodes thus far.

Joe pops up once during Season 10 — in Episode 19, “Family Secrets,” where the family learns about his life story and why Joe Senior never told them about Joe Hill’s existence. Joe makes five further appearances in Season 11, where he distinguishes himself by helping grandfather Frank (Tom Selleck) out on various cases. It’s also revealed he’s working for the ATF — a dangerous occupation that he didn’t tell the Reagans about. When his bust goes wrong, the entire family piles in to help during the two-part Season 11 finale, “The End” and “Justifies the Means.”

During Season 12, Joe is often partnered with his uncle Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), and appears a total of four times. Season 13 finds Joe on his way to an undercover mission, so he only puts in four more appearances during this batch of episodes. But he does manage to make an important impression overall, as when he helps Frank investigate who desecrated his father’s grave in Episode 9, “Nothing Sacred.” And as “Blue Bloods” prepares to come to a close, it looks like that won’t be the last we see of Joe Hill.

Blue Bloods fans will see Joe at least once more

For those who have been wondering whether or not Joe Hill will make a return appearance during Season 14 of “Blue Bloods,” an Instagram post from Donnie Wahlberg created on January 3, 2024 seemed to clarify that point – Will Hochman can clearly be seen among the rest of the actors posing for a photo call in the Reagan family dining room. Presumably, then, Joe will appear in the show’s final season at some point, though there’s no word at press time as to how many episodes he will pop up in.