Another iconic name is joining the next chapter of the Blue Bloods legacy. Ghostbusters and Oz star Ernie Hudson has officially signed on as a series regular in CBS’ new Friday night police drama Boston Blue, according to a report by Deadline this afternoon. The series, a continuation of the Blue Bloods universe, is set to premiere this fall in the franchise’s longtime 10 PM slot. Hudson will star opposite Donnie Wahlberg, who reprises his fan-favorite role as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan, and Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver, Reagan’s new partner in Boston.
Hudson will be playing the character of Reverend Peters, who is a respected and open-minded spiritual leader who helms an historic Baptist church in Boston. He’s known for his warmth and wisom and is considered a fixture in both the religious and civic communities, frequently bridging gaps between institutions. He’s also the patriarch of the Silver family, which includes Boston’s District Attorney Mae Silver, Superintendent Ashley Silver, and rookie patrol officer Isaac Silver, in addition to his granddaughter, Detective Lena Silver (Martin-Green).
It’s the kind of heavyweight casting that brings a sense of gravitas to the show that was probably missing without the likes of Tom Selleck on the show, so it’s good to see some generational wisdom and calm in the hsape of Reverend Peters.
What Is ‘Boston Blue’ About?
Set in the aftermath of Danny Reagan’s departure from the NYPD, Boston Blue follows his transition into a new role with the Boston PD, where he’s partnered with the ambitious and sharp-witted Lena Silver. Like Blue Bloods, the series will blend procedural crime storytelling with multi-generational family drama, this time through the lens of Boston’s law enforcement elite — the Silvers. It’s the latest show from CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, with Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis (L.A.’s Finest) serving as showrunners. Jerry Bruckheimer, KristieAnne Reed, Donnie Wahlberg, and Anthony Hemingway (who also directs the pilot) are executive producing.
Hudson’s casting comes after another high profile return to an iconic franchise, after he reprised his role as Winston Zeddemore in last year’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. He also starred in BET+’s The Family Business and has long been a staple of genre and prestige television, from Grace and Frankie to Oz and Law & Order.
