Donnie will continue starring as Danny Reagan in spin-off Boston Blue. Hen Blue Bloods was cancelled after 14 seasons last year, the cast, which includes Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, made no secret of their disappointment. Many of them have shared that they certainly tried to revive the beloved show, however their efforts were to no avail. Instead, Donnie will go on to continue starring as Danny Reagan in the spin-off Boston Blue, however the show has not yet confirmed that any of his former co-stars will be involved. Tom himself confirmed to Parade last year: “I’m open to suggestions, because I love Frank Reagan, but nobody’s really asked,” and noted: “I don’t see him retiring and going off somewhere.” Still, it’s no secret that he and Donnie were like true family members off the screen for the 14 years that they worked together. Recalling his last day filming Blue Bloods during an appearance on The Talk alongside Donnie, he shared: “It was weird for me because I finished four days before the shooting was done but to me it was the last scene in the show and to all the actors in many ways it was the last scene.”
Donnie, fighting back tears, further recalled: “We’re working, we’re trying to get the job done and we know the end is near … We’re trying to stay professional and stay focused on the scene and ignore the fact that we’re all going to feel emotional. And when they said ‘cut’ on the final take of the final dinner scene, it was silence.” He said there were about 300 members of the crew in the room and “nobody would make a sound.” “I think because we … didn’t want it to end and we were hoping that somehow someone is going to walk into the room and say, ‘Let’s do another 14 years,'” he went on, adding: “We all knew that as soon as somebody spoke we’re all going to lose it, and Tom read this very spectacular poem and it took me about two seconds before the waterworks turned on.” He then recalled first meeting Tom, and reflecting on how their friendship blossomed into that of father and son. “I’ve had the honor of working with him for 14 years and becoming his friend. It all hit me like a wave and we all lost it.”
“When they said, “That’s it, we’re done,’ actually nobody said anything … I said I can’t make a speech but somebody oughta say something, so I did this poem,” Tom reiterated, revealing that the poem he recited was Love is Not All by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Six months after that emotional finale, Boston Blue, which will air during Blue Bloods’ Friday 10pm slot on CBS, has found its new family patriarch to star alongside Donnie.
Last week, Deadline confirmed that Reverend Peters, the Silver family patriarch, prominent among the Boston law enforcement, will be played by Ernie Hudson. He is best known for his work in the Ghostbusters franchise as well as Quantum leap, Carl Weber’s The Family Business, and Miss Congeniality. His character is “a renowned pastor of an historic Baptist church in Boston” described as an “open-minded, welcoming man that is comfortable in all traditions.” He is the father of Mae Silver, Boston’s District Attorney, and grandfather to Superintendent Ashley Silver, rookie patrol cop Isaac Silver, and Detective Lena Silver. Of those, the only other actor cast so far in the series, which will premiere this fall, is Sonequa Martin-Green, who will star as Lena.
When it comes to long-running TV shows, Blue Bloods stands as a prime example of what happens when storytelling, chemistry, and authentic relationships come together. At the heart of the Reagan family’s Sunday dinners and intense NYPD drama lies something deeper — the unshakable bond between Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg.
Let’s take a deep dive into their relationship — not as actors, but as real people — in their own words. We’re talking respect, friendship, mentorship, and everything in between.
Meet the Men Behind the Reagans
Before we get into their bond, let’s meet the guys. Tom Selleck is a Hollywood legend with decades of TV and film work under his belt. Think Magnum P.I., Three Men and a Baby, and of course, Blue Bloods as Frank Reagan. Donnie Wahlberg started in music with New Kids on the Block before taking Hollywood by storm. Today, he’s best known as Detective Danny Reagan, the emotionally intense and driven cop in Blue Bloods.
A Decade of Working Together
They’ve been working together since 2010. That’s over a decade of Sunday dinners, action-packed scenes, and deeply personal moments onscreen. But what happens when you spend that much time with someone on a set? You either drift apart or become like family. In their case, it’s the latter.
Tom Selleck: The Patriarch On and Off Set
Everyone sees Tom as the wise and grounded father figure onscreen. According to Donnie, that role isn’t just for the cameras. “Tom really is like a dad on set. He’s calm, composed, and carries the kind of presence that makes you feel safe and respected.” This speaks volumes about Selleck’s influence on the cast, especially on Wahlberg, who often brings high energy and emotion to his scenes.
Donnie Wahlberg on Looking Up to Selleck
It’s clear Wahlberg admires Tom, not just as an actor, but as a man. “Working with Tom every day is like going to acting school. He brings so much depth to Frank Reagan, but even more to the room when we’re not filming.” You can sense Donnie sees Tom as a mentor, someone who leads by example.
Mutual Respect or Mentor-Mentee?
It’s more than just admiration. It’s mutual respect. Selleck has praised Wahlberg for his energy and dedication. “Donnie’s got incredible instincts. He works his tail off, and it shows. I trust him implicitly in every scene.” That’s not something you hear every day from a seasoned actor like Selleck.
How the Sunday Dinner Scene Reflects Their Bond
One of the most iconic parts of Blue Bloods is the family dinner. And guess what? It’s not all acting. “Those dinners feel real,” Donnie once shared. “We talk, we laugh, and yeah, we sometimes forget the cameras are rolling.” Their banter and body language during these scenes show a relationship that goes deeper than lines on a script.
Behind the Scenes: Shared Laughs and Quiet Moments
Away from the cameras, the duo share jokes, advice, and even some heartfelt talks. “There’s a lot of downtime on set,” Donnie said. “And I often find myself chatting with Tom. He’s always got a story or some advice.” It’s in these quiet moments that their bond truly shines.
Selleck’s Perspective on Wahlberg’s Work Ethic
Tom Selleck doesn’t throw around compliments lightly. But when it comes to Wahlberg, he’s open about his respect. “He brings a fire to the role of Danny. It’s not easy to keep that kind of energy up, and Donnie does it effortlessly.”
Wahlberg on Why He Loves Playing Danny Reagan
Donnie has repeatedly said how connected he feels to his character — and a lot of that comes from working opposite Tom. “Danny’s emotional. He’s passionate. And playing him opposite Tom gives the role a balance I couldn’t achieve alone.”
Trust Built Over Time
You can’t fake chemistry, especially for 14+ seasons. What makes their on-screen dynamic so real is the off-screen trust they’ve nurtured over the years. “There’s never any ego between us,” Donnie noted. “Just two guys trying to tell the best story we can.”
What Happens When Cameras Stop Rolling?
They don’t just clock out and go their separate ways. They stay in touch, check in, and support each other beyond the set. Whether it’s texts of encouragement or sharing family stories, the relationship extends far past their characters.
How They Keep Things Fresh Season After Season
With a show as long-running as Blue Bloods, burnout is a risk. But Tom and Donnie’s relationship plays a big role in keeping things fresh. “We push each other,” Tom explained. “We challenge scenes, ask questions, try new things.” That kind of collaboration keeps the story — and their connection — alive.
