Donnie Wahlberg speaks on the prospect of his involvement in a Blue Bloods spinoff. Wahlberg plays Danny Reagan on the procedural series, among a cast that also includes Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Len Cariou, Andrew Terraciano, Abigail Hawk, Gregory Jbara, Marisa Ramirez, Vanessa Ray, Sami Gayle, and Robert Clohessy. Blue Bloods began its run in 2010 and has had nearly 300 episodes. Blue Bloods season 14 returns on October 18 after a mid-season break, and will be the final installment of Blue Bloods.
Speaking with TV Insider, Wahlberg comments on whether he would be involved in a Blue Bloods spinoff series should that be proposed. Wahlberg was clear that he wants any next chapter to be “done with the spirit of Blue Bloods” and “the care” with which the procedural team handled the series. If those ideals are met, Wahlberg “would look forward to watching or being a part of” the Blue Bloods spinoff. As for right now, Wahlberg notes that he is focusing on “watching those [final] episodes” of Blue Bloods. Check out the full quote from Wahlberg below:
There’s been a lot of talk about spinoffs, about various spinoffs, all types of concepts of spinoffs. 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. 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
There’s a final season of Blue Bloods still to air, so I’m looking forward to watching those episodes with all of my incredible fans of the show and tweeting with them every Friday night for every final episode. And I think after that, we’ll see what happens next. Spinoffs, sequels, it’s all good to me. I think what I do know is there are millions of people who love this show and want it to continue somehow some way. And if there’s a way that we can give them some extension of Blue Bloods , then great. I have nothing more to offer than that, but I will be enjoying the final eight episodes with the fans. That’s my priority right now.
What Wahlberg’s Statement Means For A Potential Blue Bloods Spinoff
A Number Of Actors Have Been Enthusiastic About the Show
Hearing Wahlberg talk this way about Blue Bloods is not surprising. The actor has been vocal throughout the series about his affection for his Danny role and how much the show has meant to him overall. In August, Wahlberg delivered an emotional speech upon culminating the filming for Blue Bloods’ final episodes, wherein he called filming the show “just a dream.” In the same speech, he also said he “would just be honored to work with any of [the Blue Bloods team] again.” A Blue Bloods spinoff could be one potential avenue in which to do that.
Blue Bloods has had many characters come and go over the past fourteen years, but there are 10 that stand out far more than the others.
Wahlberg’s sentiment can also be a comfort to viewers of the show that are upset that the series was cancelled. In addition to Wahlberg’s affectionate tribute to the series, Selleck has been highly vocal about his desire for Blue Bloods to continue, satisfying its devoted audience. Back in May, Selleck asserted that “CBS will come to their senses,” and save Blue Bloods from cancellation after many years on air. This month, Selleck maintained this position, saying that he was “kind of frustrated” about the show being cancelled because it was “still being wildly successful.”
At the time of its cancellation, CBS doubled-down to assert that there would be no Blue Bloods season 15. Prior to making the decision to nix the show, CBS had reportedly tried to negotiate budget cuts for Blue Bloods. This in part has made the show’s cancellation extremely controversial among both audiences and cast members. Faced with this impasse, it may at first seem unlikely that Blue Bloods could return in any capacity. However, the continual support of actors like Selleck and Wahlberg could be hopeful for a potential Blue Bloods spinoff.
Evaluating The Likelihood Of A Blue Bloods Spinoff
It May Depend On The End-of-Series Ratings
Despite Wahlberg’s ardent support of Blue Bloods, CBS has not mentioned any plans for a spinoff series. The fact that the network still canceled the show despite actors’ and viewers’ woes is not a great sign for the prospects of a spinoff. As a result, I believe that the ratings for the Blue Bloods season 14 ending will be the most likely determinant of the show’s future. Perhaps the support of actors like Wahlberg can also encourage viewers to watch it in droves, helping the spinoff chances.
What A Blue Bloods Spinoff Could Look Like
The Show Could Go Forward Or Backward In Time
Though no Blue Bloods spinoff show has been announced, there have been multiple ideas for such a series. Some of these ideas involve Danny Reagan directly, which would necessitate Wahlberg’s return. Some have suggested a spinoff series between Danny and Baez, who have been working on solving mysteries together since Blue Bloods season 4. The two characters have a good relationship in the current series, which could even form into a romance if the show chose to go that route. If Wahlberg were particularly pushing for the show’s return, this spinoff option might be a good one.
There is some mystery about his backstory, as Frank had a wife and son who died before the events of Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods could also go in the direction of network shows like Young Sheldon and make a prequel series set years before. Selleck’s character, Frank Reagan, is one of the most beloved in the series, and one I think could lend itself well to more exploration. There is some mystery about his backstory, as Frank had a wife and son who died before the events of the crime drama. Looking more into their characters, while portraying Frank as a younger man, could be an interesting way for the series to go should Blue Bloods get a spinoff.
