Behind-the-Scenes Drama That Robbed Us of Blue Bloods' Best Core Character
Blue Bloods is still a hit after all these years, despite losing one of its best characters a decade ago.
Airing on CBS since 2010, Blue Bloods is one of the longest-running police procedurals that manages to keep fans hooked even after years of different storylines... some of which took place in real life.
OG fans know that Blue Bloods began with Detective Jackie Curatola, the partner of Detective Danny Reagan, who is still the show's main character. However, Danny now has a different partner, Maria Baez, who wouldn't be there if it weren't for a behind-the-scenes drama that led to the departure of Jennifer Esposito, the actress who portrayed Curatola.
In 2012, when Blue Bloods was in its third season, CBS revealed that after Esposito told them she was only available "on a very limited part-time schedule," the network decided she was "unable to meet the demands of her role." As a result, her character was placed on a leave of absence.
Shortly after, however, Esposito added some important context, revealing that she actually had celiac disease and even collapsed on set, prompting her to limit her availability for the show.
According to the actress, CBS never believed her and claimed it was a "scheme" to secure a raise. Rather than work out a part-time schedule for Esposito, the network chose to write off her character.
To this day, fans feel that the show didn't do her right by getting rid of a complex and interesting character who was just as compelling and exciting to watch as her partner, Danny Reagan.
Also, the network's treatment of Esposito was really "shady," according to fans, and while the show still goes on and could definitely use a return of a beloved OG character, it's highly unlikely that Esposito would ever want to come back, or that the studio would be willing to reach out to her.
Currently in its 13th season, Blue Bloods returns on CBS with a new episode on March 3.