For more than a decade, Donnie Wahlberg was a cornerstone of Blue Bloods, winning over audiences as Detective Danny Reagan, the fiery, big-hearted cop who balanced family loyalty with the grit of New York policing. But with Blue Bloods now behind him, Wahlberg is stepping into a brand-new role in the upcoming series Boston Blue — and he’s not alone. His new on-screen partner is opening up about what it’s like to join him after his long run with his TV “family.”
A Partnership Built on Respect
In an exclusive interview, Wahlberg’s Boston Blue co-star admitted that stepping into such a pivotal spot in his career came with pressure. “You can’t replace Blue Bloods, and I wouldn’t try,” she explained. “But I knew that Donnie brings his whole heart to his work, and my goal was to match that energy from day one.”
She acknowledged that Wahlberg’s chemistry with his Blue Bloods cast — especially Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, and Tom Selleck — had set a high bar. “That show had a magic that came from years of shared history. We’re creating something new, but I’m aware fans will be comparing us, at least at first.”
Leaving One Family, Building Another
Wahlberg himself has been candid about the bittersweet nature of leaving Blue Bloods. “I grew up with that cast,” he said recently. “They were my TV family for 14 years. But part of being an actor is taking on new challenges — and Boston Blue is one I couldn’t pass up.”
The co-star noted that this new show, set against the backdrop of Wahlberg’s hometown, has a different tone. “It’s grittier, a little faster-paced, but still has that emotional heart people love. And you can feel Donnie’s pride in telling a story that’s so close to his roots.”
Facing Fan Expectations Head-On
Both Wahlberg and his co-star know they’ll be under the microscope when Boston Blue premieres. “I’ve already had fans on social media saying, ‘You’re not Jamie!’ or ‘Where’s Erin?’” she laughed. “And I get it. But I hope they give us a chance to tell our own story.”
She also revealed that Wahlberg has been instrumental in building their on-screen rapport. “From day one, he treated me like an equal partner, not the ‘new kid.’ That made all the difference.”
Looking Ahead
With filming underway and buzz building, Boston Blue promises to deliver both action and character-driven drama. For Wahlberg’s co-star, the experience has been both intimidating and exhilarating. “I don’t see myself as replacing his Blue Bloods family,” she said. “I see myself as helping him build a new one.”
And for fans who’ve followed Wahlberg’s journey, that might be the key — not replacing the past, but embracing a fresh chapter.
