With Blue Bloods officially concluding after more than a decade on air, CBS is ushering in a bold new chapter in its law enforcement legacy — Boston Blue, a spin-off series that promises to honor the spirit of the original while introducing fresh faces, a new city, and a different kind of family in blue.
While longtime stars like Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan), Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan), and Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan) won’t be reprising their roles in the spin-off, Boston Blue is building its own ensemble cast to take the franchise in a new direction.
Here’s everything we know about the new cast and how they’ll carry the torch forward.
New Setting, New Blood
Set in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston Blue shifts the action from the traditional family dinners of New York’s Reagans to a gritty, fast-paced police unit tackling corruption, gang violence, and political friction in one of America’s most complex cities.
But this isn’t just a geographical change — it’s a generational shift. Gone are the legacy officers born into the badge. Boston Blue introduces a team of outsiders, idealists, and hard-nosed cops trying to build something new from the ground up.
Meet the Main Cast of Boston Blue
1. Michael Raymond-James as Lt. Jack Callahan
Best known for roles in Terriers and Frontier, Raymond-James plays the new head of Boston’s elite Violent Crimes Task Force. A former Marine turned detective, Callahan is battle-scarred but principled — and he’s trying to do things differently than his predecessors.
“Callahan is not a Reagan. He’s not a politician. He’s a street cop with a conscience,” said showrunner Melissa Carter in an early interview.
2. Aisha Dee as Detective Lila Torres
Aisha Dee (The Bold Type) brings grit and charisma to Torres, a rising star in the department who grew up in Boston’s South End. She has a complicated relationship with the police — both personally and professionally — and is determined to bring justice to underserved communities.
3. David Denman as Sgt. Mike McDonough
The Office alum plays the seasoned Boston cop nearing retirement. McDonough is loyal to the badge but skeptical of the “new way” of policing. He serves as both a mentor and foil to Callahan.
4. Alex Fitzalan as Officer Liam Daly
A young patrol officer from an Irish-American family of firefighters, Liam represents the new guard of Boston law enforcement. Still green, he idolizes the old-school cops but is learning that the job isn’t always black and white.
5. Rosie Perez as ADA Carmen Nieves
Known for her powerhouse roles in Do the Right Thing and The Flight Attendant, Perez plays a fierce and politically savvy district attorney. She often clashes with Callahan’s team over tactics and transparency — but they need each other more than either wants to admit.
No Reagans, No Problem?
While Boston Blue doesn’t feature any of the Reagan family members, producers have teased that legacy nods to Blue Bloods will be present — from guest appearances to Easter eggs for longtime fans.
Tom Selleck is not involved in the spin-off at this time, but Bridget Moynahan has expressed support for the series, calling it “a smart way to evolve the franchise while keeping its heart intact.”
What Makes Boston Blue Different
Unlike Blue Bloods, which often leaned into family values and traditional policing, Boston Blue will take a more serialized approach with deeper character arcs and morally gray storylines. Themes like systemic reform, community tension, and media influence on policing are expected to take center stage.
“We’re not here to repeat Blue Bloods,” says Carter. “We’re here to expand it — to reflect how much the world has changed since the original show began.”
Premiere & What’s Next
CBS has slated Boston Blue to premiere in early 2026, with production starting later this year in Boston. The series is expected to debut with a 10-episode first season, with potential for expansion based on reception.
With a compelling cast, timely themes, and the legacy of Blue Bloods behind it, Boston Blue may be exactly what CBS needs to keep the franchise alive — while blazing a bold new trail.
