Ahead of and after Blue Bloods’ series finale, the CBS procedural’s cast posted emotional Instagram updates, thanking fans, praising their collaborators, and musing about the show’s legacy.

Star Donnie Wahlberg, for starters, wrote at length about the many devotees of both the show and his boy band, New Kids on the Block. “Dearest Blockheads, there is, of course, a sadness in saying goodbye to #BlueBloods,” he wrote on the day of the finale. “But what a heck of a ride we had together! You all were literally part of the Blue Bloods family! Not just on Friday nights (trending #BlueBloods every single week that it’s been on the air), not just in your impact on the ratings (which was massive), you all made yourselves an actual part of the crew! Everybody on set knew you, appreciated you, and was happy to see you. None more than me.”

Donnie Wahlberg

In his post, the Danny Reagan actor said, “Of all the memories, highlights, and moments that I’ll look back on fondly from the last 14 years of filming #BlueBloods in New York City, your set visits will be something that I’ll cherish forever. From day one filming in Toronto to day 5,000 and something filming in Brooklyn, you were there. Year round and around the clock! On sunny days. Rainy evenings. Snowy afternoons. Bitter cold nights. Even on days when you were on the way to [fellow New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntyre’s] Broadway plays. You prowled the streets of New York, in search of our set, with the tenacity of Danny Reagan. You brought smiles, gifts, cupcakes (even though I was staying in shape for NKOTB tours), candy (too many Coffee Crisps and Kinder to mention), hugs, signs, inspiration, and, of course, love.”

He added, “Some visitors did not miss a season. Some visitors we now miss so dearly. Some visitors not only fought the elements, they did so while fighting life-threatening health issues, just for a quick hello. There were visitors from all 50 states and from countries all over the world. We had sacred circles, and we did the Harlem Shake. We had NKOTB listening parties and sneak peek NKOTB video screenings. We got yelled at by Regina, but I always knew you were visiting, thanks to Regina! I’m gonna miss her breaking up our huddles. I keep closing my eyes and seeing your faces, as I’m writing this. I’m so thankful to you all. Please know that my heart is full. I can go on forever, about you, but it’s time to stop writing and to simply let these memories live. I thank you. I love you. I appreciate you. I salute you. My Blockhead/BlueBloods family. See you on the next adventure. Coming soon.”