Amy Carlson’s shocking exit from Blue Bloods left fans asking, “What happened?” After portraying Linda Reagan for seven seasons, Carlson’s sudden departure in 2017 raised many eyebrows. Contrary to some rumors, Carlson wasn’t fired but chose to leave the show. The decision was reportedly based on a variety of personal and professional reasons, including the desire to explore new opportunities outside of Blue Bloods.

Despite her exit being amicable, the way it was handled shocked fans. The writers had little choice but to write off her character, and Linda Reagan’s tragic death was announced off-screen, with many viewers feeling that it was an unsatisfactory conclusion to the beloved character’s arc. Carlson later expressed disappointment over the abrupt nature of her exit, wishing her character could have had a more meaningful farewell.

Her departure marked a significant turning point in the show, as Linda was a fan favorite and one of the central family members. While the reason for Carlson leaving was rooted in her own personal desires, her absence certainly left a void in the Blue Bloods dynamic, and many still feel her departure was handled too hastily.