CBS’ “Blue Bloods” has been one of the most successful and enduring police procedurals in the network’s broadcast history. Since 2010, millions of dedicated viewers have welcomed the New York City-based Reagan police family into their homes once a week. There’s only one currently running CBS show with a longer record than “Blue Bloods”; having premiered in 2003, “NCIS” is in its 19th season.
Despite a handful of cast changes over the years, “Blue Bloods” has engendered a lot of dedication from its actors. Five of the show’s seven current series regulars have been with the series since the pilot episode. The series centers on Tom Selleck of “Magnum P.I.” fame as NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. Nearly every member of the Reagan family works in some part of the criminal justice system, including Frank’s father, former NYPD Police Commissioner Henry Reagan (Len Cariou), and each of Frank’s children: Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg), Police Sergeant Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), and Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan).
After 12 seasons on the network, however, one particular long-running “Blue Bloods” character has fans asking questions.
Why is Baker so popular?
NYPD Detective Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk) is one of the most popular characters on “Blue Bloods.” Baker serves the department as the primary aide to the police commissioner and has so far made small appearances in a total of 208 episodes over the course of the show’s 238-episode run. Reddit user ohlordwhyisthishere recently posed the question of Detective Baker’s popularity to the show’s Reddit community and pointed out that while she has had extremely limited screen time, she is one of the show’s most popular characters. The post also revealed something that few “Blue Bloods” fans have likely noticed. Baker’s biggest episode yet — when she was attacked in “Blue Bloods” Season 11, Episode 12 — was one of the highest rated episodes of that season.
With so little screen time, what has inspired such excitement for the character from fans? Reddit user brassaiblue opined that Baker is “loyal, but speaks her mind” and is “not afraid to stand up to anyone, even Reagans.” They also noted that “she is a real good cop. Very tough,” in a comment that received more upvotes than the original post to which it was added. Other commenters pointed out that Baker has become known for “her characteristic facial expressions” as a form of quiet disapproval. Reddit user LCPhotowerx even posted a meme about Baker’s signature lack of amusement. It looks like we have our answer.