Donnie Wahlberg is embarking on a new chapter. Following the conclusion of Blue Bloods, the actor has signed on to the CBS spin-off Boston Blue, which is set to air in the 2025-26 TV season.
Reprising his role as Danny Reagan, 55-year-old Donnie will lead the drama, with his character taking up a position with the Boston PD. He has yet to publicly respond to the news.
According to TV Line, Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis are billed as showrunners, while Donnie will executive produce the show with Jerry Bruckheimer and Kristie Anne Reed.
Currently, details surrounding the plot are limited, however, Deadline reports that the spin-off will see Danny paired up with Detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.
Tentatively named Boston Blue, CBS’ latest project was not conceived as a Blue Bloods offshoot. After the story was pitched to CBS studios, executives thought that Detective Peters would be joined up with a new transfer from the LAPD but after recognizing an opportunity to make the show a part of the Blue Bloods universe, involving Donnie.
A huge triumph for the actor, Donnie had been keen to reprise his role as Danny after Blue Bloods’ cancellation. Chatting with TV Insider in October, the TV star said: “I, for me personally, would say whatever happens next, if it’s done with the spirit of Blue Bloods and done with the care that we tried to put into Blue Bloods every week, it would be something that I would look forward to watching or being a part of either way.
“I’ve heard stories of prequels, sequels, you name it,” he continued. “For me personally, I love the show. I’ve enjoyed working on it for 14 years and like I said, whatever comes next, as long as it has family at its core and the spirit of Blue Bloods, then I’m all for it.”
5 suprising facts: Donnie Wahlberg
1. Boyband on tour
At 15, Donnie was selected to be the centerpiece of the boyband New Kids on the Block in 1984. After a brief split, the group reunited in 2008, and went on tour with Boyz II Men and 98 Degrees in 2013.
2. He has eight siblings
Donnie is eighth out of nine siblings, raised in Chicago, Illinois. He has spoken about growing up in a close-knit family, despite money being tight and not having a lavish childhood.
3. Blended family
In 2014, Donnie married Jenny McCarthy, and together they have a blended family. McCarthy’s son, Evan, from her previous marriage to Josh Asher, and Donnie’s two sons, Xavier Alexander and Elijah Hendrix, from his ex-wife, Kimberly Fay, make up the family.
4. Method actor
When preparing to play the role of Vincent in Sixth Sense, Donnie followed an intense diet, losing 43 pounds. He reported followed a strict meal plan of only eating steamed cabbage and drinking beet juice regularly.
5. Personalized pad
Donnie’s 5-bedroom home in St Charles, Illinois, which he shares with his wife, features a golf green, a child-friendly pool with a grotto, and a large outdoor space for entertainment.
After revealing that he was open to future spin-offs, Donnie followed up with a cryptic post in December. Hinting that wasn’t quite done with Blue Bloods, the actor teased: “Only one #BlueBloods Friday left. Hard to believe we’ve come to the finale, but then it’s hard to believe that we were lucky enough to be part of something so special for the last fourteen years!
“Lots of emotions swirling, as I’m sure they are for all of you loyal fans and followers of this show. I say farewell (for now) with no regrets — only gratitude! Let’s celebrate the journey together, one last time, this Friday.”
