With all of the rainy weather we had after all of the snow we had, I got the opportunity to take in some new shows this Winter / early Spring. One of the shows that really struck me as a stand out is Blue Bloods, a unique law enforcement / family drama starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan,Will Estes and Len Cariou. In addition to the fine acting, interesting plot twists, and complex relationships, the show takes risks that are both admirable and thought-provoking.
Strong male characters deeply invested in the their families
Len Cariou plays the grandfather of the Reagan family and the retired Police Commissioner. Tom Selleck is his son and the current Commissioner who carries himself with grace and dignity, both in his role as Commissioner and as the head of the family who deeply loves his children and grandchildren. Both of their wives have passed, leaving them as widowers to care for their family. Donnie Walhberg plays a veteran-turned-detective and family man, equally passionate about both of these roles. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see men taking such a nurturing role in their families that in no way compromises their serious commitments to their careers. The writers could have taken an easier route and written out-of-balance male characters who were so entrenched in their jobs that their family lives suffered. Instead, they wanted their male characters to be good role models for how difficult and how gratifying it is to have balance.
Religion is not taboo
The family is deeply Catholic. Religion is too often a taboo subject, in the world and on the screen. The show makes a decided decision to talk about religion and illustrate how people can reconcile very old traditions with a very modern world. It provides an interesting depth of character and storyline.
4 generations explore the changing times of law enforcement
Law enforcement in New York City is a complicated, multi-limb system. Blue Bloods gives us the opportunity to see a single case and the whole system from a variety of angles, within the police force and from the DA’s office, through the eyes of someone retired from the force, someone who now heads the force, a seasoned detective, a newly-minted officer, and a top-notch attorney. Their opinions and roles often put them in conflict professionally, which forces reconciliation personally around the dinner table. We get the chance to see just how difficult it is to secure justice in this city, and show up every day to try again no matter what happened in the last case. I also enjoy the dimension of the youngest generation who may likely enter careers in public service as adults due to the influence of their family.
A different side of New York City
New Yorkers take pride in knowing their city. Staten Island is the borough people are most unfamiliar with, myself included. I’ve never even set foot on Staten Island. The Reagan family lives there in a beautiful old home, reminding me that there is always another side to New York that I have yet to explore.
This season has two more episodes you can catch (thanks to Kelly for that info and comment!) and some of the previous shows are on the CBS site. I’m sure the full season will soon hit Netflix and Hulu. When it does, you’ll want to make sure to catch up before next Fall. The show airs on Friday nights at 10pm EST / 9pm Central on CBS.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
With all of the rainy weather we had after all of the snow we had, I got the opportunity to take in some new shows this Winter / early Spring. One of the shows that really struck me as a stand out is Blue Bloods, a unique law enforcement / family drama starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan,Will Estes and Len Cariou. In addition to the fine acting, interesting plot twists, and complex relationships, the show takes risks that are both admirable and thought-provoking.
love that you love it christa! another thing to love about it: it’s entirely filmed in NYC. an expensive proposition but they do it for the authenticity and it shows.
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Hi Col! Really love the show – I have to say it’s my new favorite. I missed the first few episodes so need to watch them once they’re released. I love the depth of teh characters and the story and hope season 2 is a go.
That authenticity comes shining through! I went to look at a new apartment on West 69th that is currently being renovated. The Super told me that the show had a shoot there a few weeks before, which I thought was awesome. 🙂
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The season didn’t wrap up Friday night…there’s still 2 more new episodes 🙂
Love the show and New York too!
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Oh wow! For some reason I had it in my head that Friday was the last show of the season. Looking forward to two more episodes – thanks for the info!
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OMG YAY – 2 more episodes!!! Very excited!!! Loving this show for sure!
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