Why Andrew Terraciano’s Sean Reagan Still Matters in ‘Boston Blue’
For over a decade, Andrew Terraciano’s portrayal of Sean Reagan on CBS’s “Blue Bloods” was more than just another supporting role. As the youngest member of the Reagan family, Sean’s journey from childhood to early adulthood was a quietly powerful thread running through the show’s 14 seasons. When “Blue Bloods” ended in December 2024, fans had grown deeply attached to Terraciano’s nuanced performance—his subtle emotional beats, the way he bridged generational divides, and the sense of continuity he brought to the Reagan legacy.
So, when CBS announced the spinoff “Boston Blue,” focusing on Sean and his father Danny (played by Donnie Wahlberg) moving to Boston for a new chapter in their lives, the decision to recast Sean sent ripples through the fanbase. Mika Amonsen, the actor now stepping into Sean’s shoes, found himself at the center of both criticism and support. Some longtime viewers questioned whether anyone could truly capture the essence of the character Terraciano had spent years developing.
The Decision to Recast: Creative Risks and Fan Reactions
The show’s co-showrunner, Brandon Margolis, explained the rationale behind the recasting in interviews with Us Weekly and other outlets. “We love Andrew and the work he did over the years,” Margolis said, “but it was time to introduce new storytelling lanes.” In other words, as “Boston Blue” aimed to explore fresh themes and deeper father-son dynamics, the creative team felt that a new actor might help signal the series’ shift in direction.
Mika Amonsen, aware of the pressure and expectations, made deliberate choices to honor Terraciano’s legacy. “I wanted to respect the character that everyone loves,” he noted, describing how he binge-watched the later seasons of “Blue Bloods” to study Sean’s growth. Amonsen’s approach wasn’t to erase what came before, but rather to blend Terraciano’s established traits with his own interpretation. In the words of the actor, “When I look under those posts, there’s a lot of fans rallying for Sean.” He recognized the negativity but drew strength from the support and the opportunity to connect with a new generation of viewers.
Transitioning the Reagan Legacy: On-Screen and Behind the Scenes
“Boston Blue” premiered in October 2025, shifting the Reagan narrative from New York to Boston. Sean, now a patrolman in the Boston Police Department, faces the challenge of living up to his family’s reputation while carving his own path. This setting allows the show to probe questions of legacy, independence, and identity—how does a young man define himself when the shadow of his family looms large?
The transition wasn’t just about swapping actors; it was about evolving the storytelling itself. Showrunners gave Amonsen the freedom to explore new dynamics with Danny Reagan, and the chemistry between Wahlberg and Amonsen has been cited as a highlight of the spinoff’s debut. Margolis admitted, “It was a gamble to open the show on a new face,” but expressed satisfaction with Amonsen’s vulnerability and determination as Sean Reagan.
Donnie Wahlberg himself initially hesitated about returning to the role of Danny in a spinoff. However, as production progressed, he came to see “Boston Blue” as an opportunity to revisit the heart of the Reagan story from a different angle. Meanwhile, Tom Selleck, who played the family patriarch Frank Reagan, chose not to participate, expressing a desire to preserve the legacy of the original series.
Andrew Terraciano’s Enduring Impact
Despite the recasting, Andrew Terraciano’s influence remains palpable in “Boston Blue.” The writers and Amonsen both acknowledge that Sean’s character is still rooted in the foundation Terraciano built. For many fans, the emotional resonance of Sean’s journey—his loyalty, his quiet strength, his struggles with identity—continues to echo in the new series.
In many ways, “Boston Blue” invites viewers to reflect on the nature of change itself. Can a character evolve without losing their core? Is it possible to honor the past while embracing the future? The show doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does provide space for both nostalgia and renewal.
As “Boston Blue” moves forward, the relationship between Sean and Danny Reagan is at the heart of its storytelling. By combining elements of the old with fresh perspectives, the series aims to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences. The recasting of Sean Reagan, while controversial, has opened the door to new creative possibilities—and ensured that Andrew Terraciano’s legacy will not be forgotten.
The recasting of Sean Reagan in “Boston Blue” is a significant moment in the franchise’s evolution. It demonstrates how television storytelling can honor its history while taking bold steps toward reinvention. Andrew Terraciano’s impact endures, not just in the memories of fans, but in the very fabric of the character he helped shape—reminding us that change, when rooted in respect, can be both challenging and transformative.
