Curious World Staff
Blue Bloods effectively ended any hope for a Joe Hill spinoff by giving his story a satisfying conclusion in the series finale. Introduced in season 10, Joe Hill (played by Will Hochman) was revealed to be the secret son of the late Joe Reagan, discovered through a genealogy project by Sean Reagan.
Joe’s journey into the Reagan family was bumpy, with tension between him and uncles Danny and Jamie, and an awkward dynamic with Frank.
Over five seasons, Joe remained somewhat on the outside. But in the series finale, the Reagans finally embraced him fully. He supported Jamie after Eddie was shot and ended the show expressing joy that Jamie and Eddie’s baby would grow up in the Reagan family. It was a full-circle moment, giving Joe a heartfelt and complete ending.
Why Joe Hill Was Spinoff Material
Joe was the perfect candidate to lead a Blue Bloods spinoff. He had ties to the Reagan family but wasn’t fully immersed in their weekly dinners and dynamics, making it easier to build a smaller, more affordable show around him. Will Hochman’s portrayal made Joe a fan-favorite, and many viewers wanted more time with the character. With CBS canceling Blue Bloods due to budget concerns, a spinoff with a smaller cast could have been a smart move—and Joe was the most logical lead.
Why the Finale Killed That Potential
Unfortunately, the finale tied Joe too closely to the Reagans. Now that he’s fully integrated into the family, it would be odd not to have him regularly interacting with Danny, Jamie, or even Frank. A spinoff that ignores those relationships would feel incomplete, while including them would undo the cost-saving benefits.
A new series could explore Joe’s life outside the Reagans or dive into his mother’s side of the family, but it would risk feeling disconnected. Ultimately, Blue Bloods gave Joe Hill the ending he deserved—but in doing so, closed the door on the spinoff fans hoped for.
