More than a year after CBS canceled Blue Bloods, the network ordered a spinoff featuring Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Danny Reagan, which is exciting in and of itself, but its location makes the upcoming TV series all the more special. The police procedural drama, created by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, lasted for 14 seasons and 293 episodes on CBS, which is an impressive feat for any show. However, Blue Bloods' lengthy run didn't stop the backlash from its cancelation.
Despite the campaign by fans for CBS to save Blue Bloods, the network stuck by its decision to end the series in December 2024. A couple of months later, the spinoff, created by Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis, was announced. So, the Blue Bloods franchise will live on via its first spinoff, which is much better than its universe completely ending following the flagship series' finale. The original show was just too successful, and its ratings were too high for CBS to let go of it so easily, resulting in the network's straight-to-series order for Boston Blue.
Blue Bloods' Spinoff Will See Danny Move To Boston For A New Job
Boston Blue Revolves Around Donnie Wahlberg's Character
As its title reveals, the Blue Bloods spinoff Boston Blue will take place in Boston, Massachusetts. According to Deadline, Donnie Wahlberg's Danny moves to Boston at the start of the series, transferring from the New York Police Department (NYPD) to the Boston Police Department (BPD). Once there, he's assigned a new partner — Detective Lena Peters. CBS hasn't announced who will play Lena in the cast of Boston Blue, but the spinoff's logline reveals that the character is "the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family."
It's unclear what inspires Danny to move to Boston, especially after he (finally) asks Detective Maria Baez out at the end of the Blue Bloods series finale. Whatever the case, Wahlberg's character starts anew in Boston Blue. While the return of Danny is what makes the spinoff intriguing, Wahlberg's association with its setting makes him the perfect choice to lead the cast of Boston Blue.
Donnie Wahlberg Is A Boston Native
Wahlberg Is Returning To His Roots
Donnie Wahlberg was born and raised in Boston, alongside his nine siblings, which includes Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg. So, Boston Blue will serve as a homecoming for the former Blue Bloods cast member. While the upcoming police procedural series is set in Boston, it's unknown whether the cast and crew will actually film scenes or entire episodes in the city. Most network TV shows' productions set up camp in either New York (like Blue Bloods did) or Los Angeles, even if they don't take place there. It's quite rare for series to regularly film on location.
Even if the cast and crew film Boston Blue outside of Boston, the show's in-world location remains special, thanks to Wahlberg's connection to the city. The actor has worked on a New York City series for more than 14 years. It's time for Wahlberg to return to his roots and set up shop in Boston.
Why Boston Is The Perfect New Setting For Danny's Blue Bloods Spinoff
Boston Is Close To New York
Not only is Boston the best pick for Boston Blue's location because it's where Donnie Wahlberg grew up, but also because it's close to New York City. Well, it's the biggest city near New York. It would take about four and a half hours to drive from the Big Apple to Boston (and vice versa), and it's an hour plane ride. So, it would be much easier for the writers of the Blue Bloods spinoff to incorporate cameos into episodes. And cameos are to be expected given the nature of the upcoming show.
Blue Bloods Cast | Role |
|---|---|
Tom Selleck | Frank Reagan |
Donnie Wahlberg | Danny Reagan |
Bridget Moynahan | Erin Reagan |
Will Estes | Jamie Reagan |
Len Cariou | Henry Reagan |
Vanessa Ray | Eddie Janko |
Jennifer Esposito | Jackie Curatola |
Sami Gayle | Nicky Reagan-Boyle |
Tony Terraciano | Jack Reagan |
Andrew Terraciano | Sean Reagan |
Marisa Ramirez | Maria Baez |
However, Boston is still far enough away from New York City that viewers won't be constantly anticipating other members of the Reagan family to pop up on their screens. Danny's family can visit him in Boston, but no one is expected to linger because they need to return to New York eventually. As a result, Boston is the perfect choice for the Blue Bloods spinoff's setting.
Source: Deadline
