Who Is Blue Bloods’ Joe Hill? The Reagan Family’S Newest Member Explained

“Blue Bloods” explained Joe Hill’s connection to the Reagan family in a story arc that began at the end of season 10. The series, popular for 14 years, follows four generations of a family of cops.

While many crime dramas focus on the cases, “Blue Bloods” emphasizes the Reagan family’s bond, which is showcased during their iconic family dinners.

Joe Reagan, who died before the series started, had always left an empty seat at the table. Jamie Reagan, Joe’s younger brother, investigated his death in season one, leading to a showdown with Joe’s killer.

After season 10, a new storyline was introduced: Joe’s adult son, Joe Hill, became part of the Reagan family, though their relationship has remained complicated.

Joe Hill: Joe Reagan’s Secret Son

Joe Hill is the secret son of Joe Reagan, who never knew he had a child. Joe Hill’s mother, Paula, met Joe at the Police Academy.

After becoming pregnant, she left the academy without telling anyone, including Joe. She named her son after Joe but didn’t plan on revealing his father’s identity.

Joe Hill grew up thinking his father was a cop who died in the line of duty and followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a police officer himself.

How the Reagans Discovered Joe Hill

Sean Reagan, Joe Hill’s cousin, accidentally discovered their connection through a genealogy project. A DNA test revealed that Sean had a cousin named Joe Hill, prompting Frank Reagan, Joe’s grandfather, to investigate.

After calling Joe Hill for a meeting, Frank discovered the truth, and Paula was forced to admit that Joe Hill was Frank’s grandson.

Paula explained that she kept Joe’s parentage a secret because she didn’t want him growing up in the shadow of the Reagan family, especially after Joe Reagan’s death.

Despite her concerns, Joe was curious about his father’s family and accepted Sean’s invitation to join a family dinner.

Joe Hill’s Struggles With the Reagans

Though Joe was initially happy to be welcomed by the Reagans, building a relationship with them wasn’t easy.

Joe, like the rest of the family, is a cop, but he wasn’t used to Frank’s strict policy of not letting family ties affect work decisions.

Things became even more difficult when Joe’s connection to the Reagans became public, leading to unwanted media attention.

Joe also had trouble bonding with his cousins, especially Jamie. Their work in law enforcement often led to conflicts, and their differences came to a head when Joe nearly blew Jamie’s cover during a sex trafficking investigation.

Although they patched things up, the tension remained, culminating in a bar fight over Joe’s refusal to fully embrace the Reagan name.

Hope for Reconciliation

Despite the ongoing friction, recent events suggest that Joe Hill may reconcile with his family before “Blue Bloods” ends

After the fistfight with Jamie, Frank forced the two to ride together, which allowed them to address their grievances.

Joe expressed gratitude for being included in family dinners, hinting at the possibility of healing. As the series approaches its conclusion, fans are hopeful that Joe Hill will return and solidify his place in the Reagan family.