Blue Bloods may be canceled, but CBS recognized that the franchise was too valuable to shelve for good. Enter Boston Blue. The upcoming spinoff will relocate the action from New York to Boston, and follow Danny Reagan as he embarks on a new (albeit familiar) chapter of his life. The details have been scarce, but the actor who plays Reagan, Donnie Wahlberg, is confident fans will be onboard.
“No Blue Bloods fans will be disappointed,” Wahlberg promised. The actor assured TV Line that the utmost care is being taken with the spinoff, to ensure that it appeals to both new fans and long time fans who want to see the Blue Bloods magic manifest in a new series. “We are really working on this universe in a way that I think the Blue Bloods viewers are going to be very happy.”
Donnie Wahlberg emphasizes focus on ‘new family’
The few details we have gotten about Boston Blue does seem to support Wahlberg’s claims. CBS’ spinoff will document Reagan’s transition to Boston PD, and delve into his relationship with his new partner, Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green). Reagan has developed close bonds with his partners in the past, and Silver’s pedigree as a member of a law enforcement family will reintroduce themes that Blue Bloods fans are very familiar with.
“[We’re] going to get to discover a new family,” Wahlberg said regarding the Silvers. “And carry on the tradition of telling their stories and still telling the Reagan stories.” Playing up the familial elements of the show is a wise move, given how important Reagan’s kin (and their dinner table scenes) were to the success of the original series. Naturally, there’s going to be a desire to see some of these characters resurface, even if it’s just for a cameo.
Wahlberg, the biggest Blue Bloods fan there is, knows this, and assures fans that there will be some references to his onscreen family. “Danny’s story will continue the Reagan family’s,” the actor stated. “You can’t have Danny without Reagans… There’ll be connective tissue to the old family.” This isn’t the first time the actor has alluded to a plan when it comes to incorporating characters from the original show into the spinoff.
The actor also teased Blue Bloods cameos
Wahlberg discussed the upcoming show during an appearance on Morning MAGIC with Sue and Kendra, and he hinted at some potential cameos from Blue Bloods cast members. He didn’t say who, but he was clearly planting the seeds for something come this fall. “The Reagans are only a phone call away,” he clarified. “And Danny Reagan loves to use the phone, that’s all I’ll say.”
While it would have been nice to get more Blue Bloods seasons, we will admit that Boston Blue does have an exciting combination of elements old and new. Wahlberg’s Reagan will be a fish out of water, and it could breath a new sense of life into the franchise. We’ll be tuning in.