Over a year after CBS decided to cancel Blue Bloods, the network has announced an exciting spinoff Boston Blue starring Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Danny Reagan. This development is thrilling on its own, but the setting of the new series adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The police procedural drama, crafted by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, enjoyed an impressive 14-season run, totaling 293 episodes on CBS—an achievement that few shows can boast. Despite this remarkable legacy, the decision to cancel Blue Bloods sparked significant backlash from its dedicated fanbase.
Despite the passionate efforts of fans urging CBS to continue Blue Bloods, the network remained firm in its choice to conclude the series in December 2024. However, just a few months later, the announcement of a spinoff created by Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis brought new hope.
This means that the Blue Bloods franchise will continue through its first spinoff, which is a far better outcome than seeing the entire universe fade away after the flagship series ends. The original show enjoyed immense success and impressive ratings, making it clear that CBS couldn’t simply walk away, leading to the swift decision to greenlight Boston Blue.
Why Boston Is The Perfect New Setting For Danny’s Blue Bloods Spinoff ?
The upcoming spinoff, Boston Blue, as indicated by its title, is set in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. The series begins with Donnie Wahlberg’s character, Danny, making a significant move from the New York Police Department (NYPD) to join the Boston Police Department (BPD).
Upon his arrival, he is paired with a new partner, Detective Lena Peters. While CBS has yet to announce the actress who will portray Lena, the spinoff’s description highlights her as “the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.”
The reasons behind Danny’s decision to relocate to Boston remain a mystery, particularly after he finally musters the courage to ask Detective Maria Baez out in the closing moments of the Blue Bloods series finale.
Regardless of the motivation, Wahlberg’s character embarks on a fresh chapter in Boston Blue. While Danny’s return is undoubtedly a key factor in the spinoff’s appeal, Wahlberg’s deep connection to the city positions him as the ideal lead for the Boston Blue cast.
Donnie Wahlberg grew up in Boston, sharing his childhood with nine siblings, including the acclaimed actor Mark Wahlberg. This makes the upcoming series Boston Blue a special homecoming for the former Blue Bloods star.
Although the new police procedural is based in Boston, it remains uncertain if the filming will take place in the city itself. Typically, network television productions prefer to operate out of New York or Los Angeles, regardless of the show’s setting. It’s uncommon for series to consistently shoot on location.
The filming of Boston Blue may take place outside of Boston, but the essence of the city is irreplaceable, largely due to Wahlberg’s deep ties to it. After dedicating over 14 years to a series set in New York City, it’s the perfect moment for Wahlberg to reconnect with his origins and bring the production back to Boston.
Boston stands out as the ideal location for Boston Blue, not just because it’s the hometown of Donnie Wahlberg, but also due to its proximity to New York City. As the largest city in the vicinity, Boston is only about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from the Big Apple, or a quick hour by plane.
This accessibility makes it significantly easier for the writers of the Blue Bloods spinoff to feature guest appearances in episodes. Given the show’s premise, such cameos are not only anticipated but essential to its appeal.
Boston’s distance from New York City ensures that viewers won’t be distracted by the frequent appearances of other Reagan family members. While Danny’s family can come to see him in Boston, their visits are temporary, as they must eventually head back to New York.
This makes Boston an ideal backdrop for the Blue Bloods spinoff, allowing for a fresh narrative without the constant presence of the entire family.
Everything We Know About Blue Bloods Spinoff Boston Blue
Donnie Wahlberg is set to carry on the legacy of Blue Bloods with the upcoming spinoff, Boston Blue. This exciting new chapter follows the beloved CBS police procedural, which concluded its impressive 14-season journey in December 2024.
CBS has made an exciting announcement this week, confirming the spinoff that fans have been eagerly awaiting. Donnie Wahlberg is set to reprise his role as Danny Reagan, the bold NYPD detective known for his willingness to bend the rules to achieve justice.
The intriguing twist ? Danny will be making a significant move from the bustling streets of New York City to Boston, leaving behind his family of law enforcement veterans, including Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan) and Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan). This new chapter promises to bring fresh challenges and dynamics to the beloved character’s story.
With the executive production talents of Jerry Bruckheimer, KristieAnne Reed, and Wahlberg, this spinoff is set to impress. The show will be helmed by showrunners Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis, both of whom have notable experience from their work on The Blacklist and L.A.’s Finest.
Let’s discover all the latest details about Blue Bloods Spinoff Boston Blue, from its intriguing plot and talented cast to the highly anticipated premiere date.
What Does Blue Bloods Spinoff Boston Blue Represent ?
The new spinoff of Blue Bloods centers around the fiery detective Danny Reagan, portrayed by Donnie Wahlberg, who is the eldest son of NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck. While Danny has dedicated most of his life to serving and protecting the streets of New York City, this exciting new series will take him on a journey to Boston.
He will team up with a detective named Lena Peters, who is characterized in a CBS press release as “the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.” This background is sure to provide them with ample topics for conversation.
Danny is about to face significant challenges, as he will have to navigate the dangers of the streets while also dealing with the complexities of a brand-new department. Unlike before, he won’t have the support system he relied on back home, making this transition even more daunting.
There’s a strong possibility that the spinoff could explore a romantic angle. In the Season 8 premiere of Blue Bloods, it was revealed that Danny’s wife tragically passed away in a helicopter accident, and by the end of the series, he seemed open to the idea of moving on.
After promising his grandfather, Henry (Len Cariou), that he would make an effort to find stability in his life, he took the bold step of inviting his partner, Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), out for pizza.
Could this be the start of a new chapter for them in Boston ? Or will Danny continue his quest for love in the vibrant city ?
What Are Donnie Wahlberg’s Thoughts On The Blue Bloods Spinoff Boston Blue ?
Currently, there isn’t much to report, but Wahlberg did discuss Danny’s possible future prior to the Blue Bloods finale.
According to Donnie Wahlberg, “I envision Danny Reagan stepping into an exciting new chapter of his life, potentially in a different location while still engaging in a similar profession. It would be intriguing to introduce a character from the current cast to accompany him on this journey. However, I want to ensure that he remains close to his family, allowing him to maintain those vital connections and spend quality time with them. This transition could provide him with the opportunity to explore what life has to offer now that his children have grown and he’s navigating the empty nest, especially after the loss of his wife. It would be fascinating to see how he adapts to this new phase, all while being able to visit his family occasionally.”
Could this be a hint at a potential spinoff ? It certainly does ! It appears that the creators have incorporated some of his insights. Could this imply that we might see appearances from his Blue Bloods friends and family ? Only time will tell !
Which Characters From Blue Bloods Are Featured In Boston Blue ?
Currently, Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan stands as the sole cast member from Blue Bloods confirmed to return for Boston Blue. However, this certainly doesn’t imply that he will be alone on this journey.
The press release for Boston Blue describes the series as a “universe expansion” of Blue Bloods, suggesting a willingness to incorporate characters from the original series. Furthermore, Tom Selleck emphasized before the Blue Bloods finale that the cast was not ready for the show to conclude.
As per Tom Selleck, “Our show ranks as the third-highest scripted program on broadcast television, and we consistently dominate the ratings. The entire cast is eager to return, which highlights their commitment and passion for the project. Last year, I voiced my disappointment over the cancellation, but let me assure you, we are not faltering. We continue to produce quality content and maintain our strong position in the industry. So, the future remains uncertain, but our momentum is undeniable.”
Donnie Wahlberg and his co-star Bridget Moynahan expressed their feelings of sadness and disappointment regarding the end of the series.
Moynahan shared, “We’ve built a strong family on set, not just among ourselves but with the entire crew.” She emphasized the deep connections formed over the past 14 years, stating, “We’ve experienced so many significant moments together—weddings, births, losses—everything that life brings. We’ve truly been there for one another.”
It would certainly be unexpected for Selleck’s Frank Reagan to find himself in Boston. As the actor said regarding his character’s future, he confidently stated that Frank would remain “commissioner until he can no longer serve.”
It’s entirely feasible that Frank might receive his own spinoff. Brian Robbins, co-CEO of Paramount, has expressed a strong interest in expanding the franchises of the company’s most beloved shows, including Blue Bloods. There’s absolutely no reason to limit themselves to just one series.
When Is The Premiere Date For Boston Blue ?
CBS has announced that Boston Blue is set to debut in the 2025-2026 broadcast season, which means you could catch it later this year. In the meantime, don’t miss the chance to binge-watch all 14 Seasons of Blue Bloods available on Paramount+. Stay tuned for further updates.