Donnie Wahlberg is making his CBS return with Boston Blue, the highly anticipated spin-off and successor to Blue Bloods. The new series follows Danny Reagan as he relocates from New York City to Boston, continuing his career in law enforcement while stepping out of the shadow of his famous family.
Although Boston Blue will maintain ties to its predecessor, it’s designed to stand on its own, introducing a new ensemble that includes Sonequa Martin-Green, Ernie Hudson, and Maggie Lawson.
A Controversial Farewell
After 14 successful seasons, Blue Bloods concluded in December 2024 with its finale, “End of Tour.” Despite strong ratings and a devoted audience, CBS decided not to renew the show—even after the cast reportedly accepted pay cuts to keep it alive. Tom Selleck, who portrayed family patriarch Frank Reagan, publicly criticized the decision, calling it a mistake. Nevertheless, CBS chose to wrap up the long-running drama and shift focus to its next chapter, Boston Blue.
Why Selleck’s Return Could Complicate the Spin-Off
While fans would undoubtedly cheer for a Frank Reagan cameo, an early return by Selleck could unintentionally undermine Boston Blue’s fresh direction. The new series already faces immense pressure from viewers still mourning Blue Bloods’ cancellation. Bringing back Frank too soon might make the spinoff feel like Blue Bloods Season 15 rather than a standalone story.
For Boston Blue to truly thrive, Danny must find his footing apart from his family’s legacy. If the series allows him to grow as an independent character, it has the potential to honor the spirit of Blue Bloods while building a new legacy of its own.