Why Tom Selleck Is Incorrect About The Future of Jesse Stone: The Case for Ending the 10th Movie Franchise

Tom Selleck has ambitious plans for the future of Jesse Stone. However, he envisions the tenth installment as the culmination of the series. With the conclusion of Blue Bloods, there have been discussions about rejuvenating the Jesse Stone saga, given that the latest entry, Lost in Paradise, was released back in 2015. Selleck has starred in nine Jesse Stone films so far, and although he had hoped to balance both franchises, scheduling conflicts hindered those plans. With newfound availability, he has expressed a strong desire to revive the character of Jesse Stone. In an interview with TV Insider, Selleck remarked that the tenth film “… wouldn’t be a final one because everybody loves it.”

Selleck Aims for a Bright Future for Jesse Stone

Jesse Stone: Leaving Paradise Has a Nice Ring to It

Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone in Benefit of the Doubt

According to his interview, Selleck is eager to continue Jesse Stone’s journey. Prior to taking on Blue Bloods, Selleck was virtually producing a new Jesse Stone film nearly every year, with the longest gap being a three-year wait for Lost in Paradise. Having always intended to revisit this beloved character, it’s understandable that he would aim for multiple films following a significant hiatus. However, the changing landscape of television and movies poses a challenge, as viewer consumption habits have drastically shifted since the last Jesse Stone outing.

Originally, CBS produced the early eight films, while The Hallmark Channel took over for Lost in Paradise. In this era of streaming giants like Disney+ and Max, finding a network willing to commit to an ongoing series of new Jesse Stone films might be challenging, despite the enduring affection from fans.

Ideally, the tenth installment could provide closure, resolving outstanding plot points while possibly taking Jesse to a different town, away from rampant crime and corruption.

The Jesse Stone Series Deserves a Fitting Conclusion

Chief Stone Isn’t Likely Destined for a Happy Ending

Jesse Stone sitting on a pier with a woman behind him

The Jesse Stone series exemplifies modern noir storytelling, centering on a police chief grappling with personal demons and a heightened sense of duty. Jesse Stone’s creator imposed two key rules for the adaptations: he remains emotionally tethered to his ex-wife, Jenn, and struggles with alcoholism without achieving definitive victory over it. The series highlights Jesse’s reliance on cases for motivation, but after seeking therapy and distancing himself from his ex, there are signs of gradual personal growth.

The Jesse Stone Movie Series	Release Year
Jesse Stone: Stone Cold	2005
Jesse Stone: Night Passage	2006
Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise	2006
Jesse Stone: Sea Change	2007
Jesse Stone: Thin Ice	2009
Jesse Stone: No Remorse	2010
Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost	2011
Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt	2012
Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise	2015

While Lost in Paradise was enjoyable, it did not offer a sense of closure for the franchise. The story of Jesse Stone merits a concluding chapter, ideally featuring him tackling one last significant case before contemplating retirement or his fate. This tenth installation could fulfill the narrative’s potential, especially now that Selleck has finished his commitments for Blue Bloods. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to resolve character-driven arcs, such as capturing the elusive “Hasty”Hathaway (portrayed by Saul Rubinek) or reconnecting with Jenn on-screen.

Will Jesse Stone 10 Become a Reality?

Jesse Stone Fans Eagerly Await a Return to Paradise

While Selleck has publicly discussed the prospect of Jesse Stone 10, it is essential to note that no agreements have officially been established yet. His contract with Hallmark for Lost in Paradise included the possibility for additional sequels, but that option lapsed during his tenure on Blue Bloods. Currently, Jesse Stone is without a designated network or platform and Selleck is considering his next steps. Given Selleck’s enthusiasm, the likelihood of a sequel seems promising, especially considering these films are relatively affordable to produce.

It’s worth noting that some franchise regulars have exited; for instance, Viola Davis departed after Jesse Stone: Sea Change, the fourth film. As for the long-term prospects of the Jesse Stone franchise, the consensus is that it may be wise for the tenth installment to serve as the series’ grand finale, allowing Jesse to exit peacefully—whether that means leaving behind his tumultuous past or finally confronting his inner struggles.

Source: TV Insider