CBS has officially announced new casting additions to Boston Blue, the highly anticipated spin-off of the long-running procedural drama Blue Bloods. Headlined by Donnie Wahlberg, who reprises his fan-favorite role as Detective Danny Reagan, the series promises to deliver the same heart-pounding action and complex family dynamics in a brand-new setting.
🔹 A New Chapter in the Reagan Legacy
Boston Blue marks a major expansion of the Blue Bloods universe, shifting the action from New York to the streets of Boston. While Wahlberg remains the centerpiece of the series, his character takes on a fresh challenge: leading a new task force focused on tackling high-stakes crime in his hometown. This move offers a unique opportunity to explore Danny Reagan outside the shadow of the NYPD and the Reagan family dinner table.
CBS has described the spin-off as a “gritty yet character-driven drama” that blends the emotional core of Blue Bloods with faster-paced, more urgent storytelling.
🔹 Meet the New Faces Joining the Force
Alongside Donnie Wahlberg, the network has confirmed several key cast members who will be joining the Boston Blue team:
- Marisa Ramirez – Returning as Detective Maria Baez, Danny’s long-time partner, signaling that the bond between them remains central to the story.
- Omar Dorsey (Queen Sugar) – Cast as Sergeant Terrence Greene, a tough, no-nonsense local cop who initially clashes with Reagan’s leadership style.
- Samantha Logan (All American) – Playing Officer Elena Vega, a rookie with a complicated past and a personal connection to one of Boston’s most notorious crime families.
- Elias Koteas (Chicago P.D.) – Set to appear as Captain Thomas Keenan, the commanding officer who brings Reagan back to Boston and oversees the new task force.
- Alexis Bledel (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Joining as District Attorney Claire Hennessey, whose tense political relationship with the police department adds a layer of intrigue.
🔹 Returning Guest Stars & Blue Bloods Legacy
CBS also teased the possibility of surprise cameos from familiar Blue Bloods cast members. While Tom Selleck’s return as Frank Reagan has not been officially confirmed, Donnie Wahlberg hinted during a recent interview that fans should “absolutely expect a few surprise visits from New York.” This leaves the door open for appearances by Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan), Will Estes (Jamie Reagan), and Vanessa Ray (Eddie Janko-Reagan).
🔹 Donnie Wahlberg on Returning to Boston
For Wahlberg, Boston Blue is more than just a spin-off—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in the Boston area, the actor has long expressed his love for the city and its influence on his career.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Wahlberg shared in a press release. “To tell stories rooted in the city that raised me, with a character I’ve played for over a decade—it’s an incredible honor.”
🔹 Production and Premiere Timeline
Filming for Boston Blue is set to begin in late summer 2025, with a targeted premiere date in early 2026 as part of CBS’s midseason lineup. The show will air on Fridays at 9 PM, maintaining the coveted time slot previously occupied by Blue Bloods for more than a decade.
CBS Studios is producing the series in partnership with Donnie Wahlberg’s own company, while Kevin Wade, executive producer of Blue Bloods, will return as showrunner.
🔚 What’s Next for the Blue Bloods Universe?
With Boston Blue officially in motion and casting now complete, fans of Blue Bloods have much to look forward to. The new series aims to retain the values and tone of the original while breaking fresh ground in a city full of history, grit, and emotional storytelling.
