Blue Bloods fans were stunned earlier this year when CBS confirmed that Sean Reagan would be recast in the upcoming spinoff, Boston Blue. Andrew Terraciano portrayed Sean throughout Blue Bloods, but in the new series, Mika Amonsen steps into the role, making his debut in the premiere episode on Friday, October 17. With the first episode now out, the show’s creators are finally addressing the decision behind the change.
In Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg returns as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan, who relocates to Boston to join the city’s police force. There, he’s partnered with Detective Lena Silver, the eldest daughter of a well-known law enforcement family. The Silvers include Boston District Attorney Mae Silver, Police Superintendent Sarah Silver, rookie officer Jonah Silver, and respected Baptist pastor Reverend Edwin Peters. As Danny adjusts to his new surroundings, he also hopes to reconnect with his younger son, Sean, who is starting his own career as a Boston police officer.
“We wanted a slightly different version of Sean,” showrunner Rebecca Margolis explained. “We wanted a character who still feels familiar someone who resembles the Sean audiences watched grow up but who also reflects the changes in his life. As you saw in the pilot, he’s made some big decisions. Joining the police force means he’s truly picking up the Reagan family mantle.” She added that the creative team wanted to “join the story in progress,” showing Sean already deep into his journey as a young officer.
The series opens with Sean and Jonah spending time out with friends when they witness a building fire. The two rookie cops immediately jump into action, rescuing civilians but getting injured in the process Sean more seriously than Jonah. Thankfully, Sean regains consciousness by the end of the premiere, with Danny at his bedside. Danny decides to remain in Boston for as long as his son needs him, while his new girlfriend, Maria Baez , stays behind in New York confirming at last that the long-teased Danny Baez romance has officially become canon.
As Boston Blue continues, Sean and Jonah will face early challenges and each other
as they compete for dominance during their first official days as Boston police officers.