Amy Carlson, who played Linda Reagan on Blue Bloods for seven seasons, shocked fans when her character was suddenly written off the show. For a long time, the reason behind her departure remained a mystery, sparking speculation and disappointment among viewers. Eventually, Carlson opened up about her exit, revealing that it was due to her contract ending and a personal decision not to renew it. She wanted to explore other creative opportunities and challenge herself with new roles.

What truly surprised her — and many fans — was how the show handled her character’s exit. Linda Reagan’s death was revealed off-screen in the Season 8 premiere, with little fanfare or closure. Carlson later expressed that she had no idea the writers planned to kill Linda in such a brief and unceremonious way. She admitted feeling disappointed, saying she wished the character had been given a proper farewell.

Despite this, Carlson has remained gracious about her time on Blue Bloods. She often speaks warmly about the cast, crew, and the fans who supported her character over the years. While she stands by her choice to leave, she has acknowledged how meaningful the role was to her and hinted that she would’ve liked a more respectful conclusion to Linda’s story.

Her candid revelations have reignited fan appreciation for the character and sparked renewed interest in the show’s earlier seasons. Though she’s moved on to new projects, Amy Carlson’s portrayal of Linda Reagan remains a memorable part of Blue Bloods’ legacy.