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Celebrating Success: CBS's 'Blue Bloods' Reaches Major TV Milestone

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Next month, CBS drama Blue Bloods will reach a major television milestone -- 150 episodes. Eyewitness News Reporter Jan Carabeo visited the Brooklyn set earlier this week to check in with the cast and find out the secret to the show's success.

"It's just a real blessing," Tom Selleck says.

For seven seasons, the Reagan family has shared its life and its dinner with television audiences all across the country.

Blue Bloods fans know Selleck as Frank Reagan, the family patriarch, a strong and level-headed leader not only at home, but also at work as New York City's police commissioner. Selleck had a hunch from season one, episode one, Blue Bloods would be a special series.

"Anytime you do a show where the characters are as clearly drawn and as interesting and as flawed as our characters, I think the show has potential," Selleck says. "I always kind of felt if we build this, they will come."

Now, as Blue Bloods approaches its 150th episode, the cast took a break from filming their famous dinner scene to chat with Eyewitness News about why the show has not only survived but thrived.

"It does come from a lot of hard work and dedication and gifted actors and writers," Selleck says.

"You can either relate to the Reagans or live vicariously through them," Donnie Wahlberg says.

Wahlberg who plays Detective Danny Reagan says the show's success also stems from an authentic portrayal of New York's finest.

"When I see a police officer in the street, they'll say good job," Wahlberg says. And Wahlberg is no stranger to the streets of Philly. We asked him how business is doing at Wahlbergers in Northern Liberties.

"Philly Wahlbergers is going great," he says. "We just gotta get the cheesesteaks on the menu, that's the only thing. Cheesesteaks or two bites sandwiches, one of the two."

Sami Gayle is also a Philly foodie. Remember her trip to Reading Terminal Market with our own Ukee Washington? Gayle went back for the turkey she ate with Ukee a few weeks ago to celebrate a big birthday.

"We drove there, got the turkey, drove back to New York," Gayle recalls. "And then I had my 21st birthday party at home with that turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes. Everyone loved it." Gayle has grown up around the Reagan dinner table, starting her role as Nicky at just 14 years old.

"You physically can catalog the changes that have occurred, and it's incredible," Gayle says. Speaking of the always-popular family dinner scene -- What's on the menu for episode 150?

"It was potatoes, ham, salad and green beans," Will Estes says.

This is the longest running show for Estes, who plays Jamie Reagan.

Selleck has reached 150 episodes before with Magnum, P.I., which shot 163 episodes.

There's always another milestone.

Jan: "Cheers made it to 275. Do you think you have that many in you?"

Tom: "My friend Ted did 275 episodes? Wow. We could. The show has that kind of potential. I'm not tired of it. I don't think any of the actors are. Everything goes by in a flash and so does 150 episodes."

The 150th episode of Blue Bloods airs Friday, March 31st, on CBS3 at 10 p.m.

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