From Reagan to Boston: Donnie Wahlberg's Shocking Blue Bloods Spinoff

Olivia Bennett, 2/19/2025CBS announces "Boston Blue," a spinoff of "Blue Bloods" featuring Donnie Wahlberg's Danny Reagan in a new role with the Boston Police Department. This fresh take on police dramas, set to debut in the 2025-2026 season, promises exciting dynamics and a connection to Wahlberg's roots.

The announcement comes as a particularly poignant development, arriving just months after "Blue Bloods" wrapped its impressive 14-season run. While the Reagan family's Sunday dinners may have served their last course, it seems Danny Reagan isn't quite ready to hang up his holster.

This strategic expansion — slated for the 2025-2026 broadcast season — isn't merely a rehash of familiar territory. Instead, it's positioning itself as a fresh take on the law enforcement family drama that made its predecessor such a enduring hit. The series will pair Wahlberg's street-smart Danny with Detective Lena Peters, described as "the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family" — a setup that deliciously mirrors the Reagan dynasty while promising its own distinctive dynamics.

What makes this development particularly fascinating is its organic evolution. Rather than emerging as a calculated spinoff, "Boston Blue" began life as an independent concept from writers Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis. The project's transformation into a "Blue Bloods" extension came about through a stroke of creative serendipity — and perhaps a dash of Hollywood magic.

The emotional weight of this transition shouldn't be understated. Wahlberg himself revealed the depth of his connection to the original series, sharing that after filming wrapped, he "couldn't turn off the tears for another probably two days." His visceral reaction to Tom Selleck's poetic farewell — reading Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Love Is Not All" — spoke volumes about the cast's tight-knit relationship: "Literally, my life passed before my eyes," Wahlberg reflected, his words carrying the weight of fourteen years of shared history.

For Wahlberg, a Boston native, this new venture represents something of a homecoming — both personally and professionally. The series, produced by CBS Studios in partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, seems perfectly positioned to capitalize on both the actor's natural connection to the city and the built-in audience eager to follow Danny Reagan's next chapter.

The creative team behind "Boston Blue" brings serious credentials to the table. Showrunners Sonnier and Margolis, who cut their teeth on "The Blacklist" and developed "L.A.'s Finest," are joined by heavyweight producer Jerry Bruckheimer and his team. This powerhouse combination suggests we're in for a series that honors its roots while blazing its own trail through the crowded landscape of police procedurals.

What's particularly intriguing about this expansion is its timing. While "Blue Bloods" may have concluded — despite Tom Selleck's impassioned plea to CBS to "come to their senses" given the show's continued strong performance — this spinoff suggests the network isn't ready to completely let go of the franchise's winning formula.

The move also reflects a broader industry trend toward universe expansion, joining the ranks of CBS's other extended franchises. It's set to debut alongside "Sheriff Country," another spinoff from the "Fire Country" universe, indicating the network's continued commitment to building out its successful properties.

In a dazzling twist that's sure to set police drama fans' hearts racing, CBS has unveiled plans to keep the Reagan family legacy burning bright — albeit with a distinctly Boston accent. The network has greenlit "Boston Blue," a spinoff series that will see Donnie Wahlberg's beloved Danny Reagan trade his NYPD badge for a position with the Boston Police Department, marking a bold new chapter in the "Blue Bloods" universe.The announcement comes as a particularly poignant development, arriving just months after "Blue Bloods" wrapped its impressive 14-season run. While the Reagan family's Sunday dinners may have served their last course, it seems Danny Reagan isn't quite ready to hang up his holster.This strategic expansion — slated for the 2025-2026 broadcast season — isn't merely a rehash of familiar territory. Instead, it's positioning itself as a fresh take on the law enforcement family drama that made its predecessor such a enduring hit. The series will pair Wahlberg's street-smart Danny with Detective Lena Peters, described as "the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family" — a setup that deliciously mirrors the Reagan dynasty while promising its own distinctive dynamics.What makes this development particularly fascinating is its organic evolution. Rather than emerging as a calculated spinoff, "Boston Blue" began life as an independent concept from writers Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis. The project's transformation into a "Blue Bloods" extension came about through a stroke of creative serendipity — and perhaps a dash of Hollywood magic.The emotional weight of this transition shouldn't be understated. Wahlberg himself revealed the depth of his connection to the original series, sharing that after filming wrapped, he "couldn't turn off the tears for another probably two days." His visceral reaction to Tom Selleck's poetic farewell — reading Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Love Is Not All" — spoke volumes about the cast's tight-knit relationship: "Literally, my life passed before my eyes," Wahlberg reflected, his words carrying the weight of fourteen years of shared history.For Wahlberg, a Boston native, this new venture represents something of a homecoming — both personally and professionally. The series, produced by CBS Studios in partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, seems perfectly positioned to capitalize on both the actor's natural connection to the city and the built-in audience eager to follow Danny Reagan's next chapter.The creative team behind "Boston Blue" brings serious credentials to the table. Showrunners Sonnier and Margolis, who cut their teeth on "The Blacklist" and developed "L.A.'s Finest," are joined by heavyweight producer Jerry Bruckheimer and his team. This powerhouse combination suggests we're in for a series that honors its roots while blazing its own trail through the crowded landscape of police procedurals.What's particularly intriguing about this expansion is its timing. While "Blue Bloods" may have concluded — despite Tom Selleck's impassioned plea to CBS to "come to their senses" given the show's continued strong performance — this spinoff suggests the network isn't ready to completely let go of the franchise's winning formula.The move also reflects a broader industry trend toward universe expansion, joining the ranks of CBS's other extended franchises. It's set to debut alongside "Sheriff Country," another spinoff from the "Fire Country" universe, indicating the network's continued commitment to building out its successful properties.