Why Did Jon Bokenkamp Leave The Blacklist?

In his farewell statement posted on Twitter, Jon Bokenkamp said, "After eight years I feel it's time for me to step out of my comfort zone, try something new, and explore a few of the other characters and stories that have been crawling around in my head."

Specifically, Bokenkamp explained that he had a collection of screenplays that were written but never produced due to his commitments to "The Blacklist." Bokenkamp described his feelings around leaving the show as mixed. He stated that he was "excited about this next chapter," but was sad to say goodbye to "The Blacklist" family of writers, cast, and crew.

Bokenkamp also mentioned his appreciation for the opportunity to tell a different story each week on "The Blacklist" to the show's committed fan base. He thanked them for the vibrant communities that had emerged surrounding the project, which fueled extensive fan theories, art, and even podcasts dedicated to the show. Bokenkamp ended his farewell on a positive note, explaining, "I genuinely believe the series remains full of life, creatively strong, and that bright days lie ahead."