Jennifer Esposito Is Coming Back to Blue Bloods After Her ‘Ugly’ Fallout With CBS — Is She Returning For Good?

Jackie Curatola is making a dramatic return to Blue Bloods for the Season 13 finale after a decade-long absence. Fans are excited about Jennifer Esposito’s return on May 19, 2023, but it’s uncertain if she’ll be back for good.

Blue Bloods is CBS’s long-running procedural drama that follows the Reagan family, deeply involved in New York City law enforcement.

The show, which premiered in September 2010, is concluding its 13th season and has been renewed for Season 14. It stars Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes, Bridget Moynahan, and more.

Jennifer Esposito plays Detective Jacqueline “Jackie” Curatola, Danny Reagan’s (Donnie Wahlberg) partner. Esposito joined as a series regular in Season 1 but left in 2012 due to complications from Celiac Disease.

Esposito requested a reduced schedule, but CBS suspended her without pay. She revealed to FOX Files that she collapsed on set twice and felt CBS did not accommodate her health needs.

CBS issued a statement saying Esposito’s limited availability made it impossible for her to fulfill her role, leading to her leave of absence. Esposito countered that CBS treated her unfairly, blocked her from working elsewhere, and implied she was not truly ill.

Esposito’s permanent departure was reported in January 2013, but her return for the Season 13 finale was met with surprise and excitement.

While it’s unclear if Esposito will continue beyond this episode, she will reprise her role as Jackie Curatola, now Chief of Police, teaming up with Danny Reagan and Baez (Marisa Ramirez) to investigate a murder.

Esposito has fond memories of working with Wahlberg, sharing that they had a lot of fun on set. The last time Curatola appeared was in Season 3, Episode 7, where she took a leave of absence due to stress after being shot.

Esposito’s return in the episode titled “Forgive Us Our Trespasses,” airing on May 19, 2023, at 10 p.m. on CBS, has reignited interest in whether she will stay on Blue Bloods permanently.

For now, her appearance in the Season 13 finale remains a special event, leaving fans hopeful for more.