Donnie Wahlberg Promises ‘Boston Blue’ Is “Bringing Faith, Family, and Tradition Back to Television”

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Cameras are rolling in Boston, and Donnie Wahlberg is back in uniform — but this time it isn’t Blue Bloods. The actor is leading Boston Blue, a brand-new CBS spin-off set to debut this fall, and he couldn’t be happier about stepping into Danny Reagan’s shoes once again.

“We are incredibly excited about this show, and cannot wait to discuss it with all of you and to share with the world,” Wahlberg said. “And when I say we, I mean our amazing show runners, Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonier and our incredible cast.”

The new series, which premieres October 17 on CBS (with a sneak peek screening at Mipcom Cannes on October 12), picks up with Danny after leaving New York City behind to start fresh in Boston. Wahlberg admitted reprising his role felt intimidating at first, but it quickly turned into something more fulfilling than he could have imagined.

“Taking on this venture of reprising Danny Reagan and carrying on the traditions set forth in Blue Bloods and carrying them forward into a new world was a daunting task, but it became something that I couldn’t even dream of.”

A big part of that dream is thanks to his new co-star, Star Trek: Discovery alum Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays Danny’s new partner. Wahlberg recalled how seamless the process has been from day one.

“As it’s coming together, first meeting the Brandons, and then meeting Sonequa and then the rest of our cast. It’s just become a dream and something that has been seamless and wonderful and fun and exciting,” Wahlberg said.

Together, the two actors have already teased how their characters’ relationship will echo the family-first heart of Blue Bloods while carving out a new identity. The backbone of the show will still be “faith, family, and tradition,” Wahlberg emphasized, the same DNA that kept the original running for 14 seasons.

“We look forward to bringing faith, family and tradition back to television on Friday nights at 10pm.”

Are Blue Bloods Stars Appearing in Boston Blue?

Though Boston Blue is opening a new chapter, the Reagan family name won’t be forgotten. Wahlberg will be joined by a fresh ensemble including Ernie Hudson, Maggie Lawson, Gloria Reuben, and Marcus Scribner. Danny’s son Sean has also been recast, with Mika Amonsen stepping into the role originally played by Andrew Terraciano.

The ties to New York remain strong: Wahlberg has already teased family cameos, with Bridget Moynahan set to reprise her role as Erin Reagan in the pilot. That’s just the beginning of the guest appearances fans can expect.

For now, Wahlberg is just grateful. “It’s just become a dream,” he said simply. And for Blue Bloods fans who weren’t ready to say goodbye, October 17 can’t come soon enough.