It’s possible that when their initial 6 or 7 year contracts expired, a condition to get the 2 leads to re-sign was agreeing to give them more time off, directing opportunities, and to appear less frequently or in fewer episodes. It definitely seems like that applied to Caan, and likely to a degree with O’ Loughlin as well.

The ratings are still good, and the H50/Blue Bloods combo helps CBS to win the Friday ratings battle each week, so it’s unlikely the show will be cancelled anytime soon.