Len Cariou, best known for playing Henry Reagan on the long-running police drama Blue Bloods, has secured a new acting role following the show's unexpected cancellation in 2024 after 14 seasons. The 85-year-old actor will appear in American Classic, an eight-part comedy series from MGM+.
Cariou joins a cast that includes Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney. The series follows a Broadway star who returns to his family-run theatre, only to find it has been turned into a dinner theatre by his brother. Cariou will play Kevin Kline's father, described as an actor, puppet maker, and founder of the Millersburg Festival Theater. He took over the role after the death of Harris Yulin in June at age 87.
Production is expected to begin in New Jersey in 2025, though a release date has not yet been announced. This new project comes after Blue Bloods was cancelled despite strong ratings, prompting backlash from fans and cast. A spinoff, Boston Blue, is in development, focusing on Donnie Wahlberg's character Danny Reagan in a new city, with Sonequa Martin-Green playing his partner.
Cariou expressed disappointment over the cancellation, telling TV Insider in November: 'It's too bad. Doesn't make any sense. We're still, I think, the best-watched show on Friday nights, even though we're canceled.' Co-star Bridget Moynahan also voiced confusion, noting the show's loyal fanbase and strong values. Tom Selleck, who played Frank Reagan, called the situation 'frustrating' and said it would 'take a while' to sort out.
