Boston Blue is scheduled to start airing on CBS this fall, and a couple of new casting announcements have already turned heads. We recently found out that ER alum Gloria Reuben has joined the cast of this Blue Bloods spinoff. Now, a familiar face from the popular ABC comedy Black-ish is also coming aboard.
That talented actor is Marcus Scribner, best known for his role as Andre “Junior” Johnson Jr. on Black-ish and its spinoff Grown-ish. With his addition to the cast, he joins not only Reuben but also previously announced stars Donnie Wahlberg, Sonequa Martin-Green, Ernie Hudson, and Maggie Lawson. All the actors just listed have been cast as series regulars. Boston Blue was officially picked up by CBS back in February 2025. With its pickup, the Blue Bloods franchise expands, bringing a fresh new setting and introducing audiences to a new family of law enforcement officers.
Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis developed the police procedural, which will see Wahlberg return as Danny Reagan. Danny leaves New York behind to take a position with the Boston Police Department, where he teams up with Detective Lena Silver (Martin-Green). However, Lena isn’t just your ordinary officer. She comes from a respected law enforcement family deeply rooted in Boston’s community.
Lena’s family includes Mae Silver (Reuben), who is her mother and Boston’s District Attorney. Then, there’s Lena’s stepsister and Police Superintendent, Sarah Silver, played by Lawson. We also have Lena’s grandfather, Reverend Peters, played by Hudson. Scribner takes on the role of Jonah, Lena’s brother. Deadline describes Jonah as being the youngest of the Silver family, and like his sisters and mom, he’s also dedicated to a career in law enforcement. However, he’s still new to the force. He’s only a rookie cop, which can be quite frustrating for him. “Scribner’s Jonah is the youngest member of the Silver family and is in law enforcement like his mother and sisters — each of whom are formidable in their own ways. Always the cool kid growing up, Jonah carries himself with confidence and swagger in all situations, so he’s naturally frustrated at being a rookie cop on the sidelines of the city’s biggest investigations.”
Besides starring in Black-ish and Grown-ish, Scribner is also known for his voice work. He voiced characters in animated shows such as She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Dragons: The Nine Realms and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. You may also recognize him from his role as Wallace in the Netflix teen romance film Along for the Ride. With Scribner being cast as a series regular in Boston Blue, this marks a significant step into more dramatic territory, showcasing his versatility as an actor and expanding his presence in primetime television. There will likely be more casting announcements coming soon. That said, make sure to stay tuned to GeekSided because we’ll be sharing every new Boston Blue casting update as they are announced.
Who would’ve thought? A beloved sitcom star trading laughs for the law! Fans of Black-ish and Blue Bloods alike were taken by surprise when CBS announced that a former Black-ish alum would be stepping into a lead role in the upcoming Blue Bloods spinoff. This unexpected casting has already sparked buzz all over the entertainment world — and trust me, it’s only just getting started.
What Makes This Casting News So Exciting?
A Sitcom Veteran Joins a Crime Drama Franchise
It’s not every day that you see a star known for comedy making a bold leap into a gritty police procedural drama. But that’s exactly what’s happening here — and fans can’t stop talking about it.
Blue Bloods’ Legacy and the New Spinoff’s Promise
Since 2010, Blue Bloods has been a staple of CBS’s lineup, telling the story of the Reagan family’s law enforcement dynasty in New York City. Now, with this spinoff, the creators promise to expand the universe — and adding a Black-ish alum to the mix is sure to shake things up.
Who is the Black-ish Star Joining the Blue Bloods Spinoff?
While CBS hasn’t yet officially confirmed the character details, reliable sources suggest that the star in question is Anthony Anderson, known for his sharp comedic timing, charm, and dramatic chops — a perfect fit for a role that will likely blend wit and intensity in equal measure.
From Comedy to Cop Drama: Can It Work?
The Unlikely Transition
Switching genres is always risky. After years of delivering laughs on Black-ish, can Anderson handle the tough, emotionally charged world of Blue Bloods?
Evidence of Range: Why This Move Makes Sense
Actually, yes. Anderson isn’t new to drama — remember his roles in Law & Order and The Shield? The guy has serious dramatic range. This move could showcase a side of him that fans have been missing.
What Role Will This Alum Play in the Spinoff?
Lead Detective? District Attorney? New Reagan Rival?
Speculation is flying. Will he play a no-nonsense NYPD detective with a dark past? A high-powered district attorney cleaning up corruption? Or perhaps a new rival to the Reagan family? Whatever it is, the role is bound to be juicy.
How This Casting Could Change the Blue Bloods Franchise Forever
A Fresh Perspective in the Reagan-Dominated World
Blue Bloods has long centered on the Reagan family. Bringing in an outsider — especially one with Anthony Anderson’s charisma — could challenge the status quo in fascinating ways.
Appealing to a Broader Audience
Let’s face it: this move could attract a younger, more diverse audience to the franchise, thanks to Anderson’s crossover appeal from Black-ish and his wide fanbase.
CBS’s Big Gamble: Why Take This Risk Now?
Reviving the Franchise With New Energy
After 14 seasons, even diehard fans admit Blue Bloods was getting a little… predictable. This spinoff, led by a familiar yet unexpected face, could inject the fresh energy CBS needs.
Competing in the Streaming Wars
With platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Max grabbing attention, CBS is betting that mixing legacy franchises with beloved actors can keep traditional TV alive — and exciting.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Can’t Handle It
Twitter’s Explosive Response
The moment the news broke, fans lit up Twitter with excitement, memes, and endless speculation. Some love the casting — others are scratching their heads. Either way, people are talking.
The Divide Between Sitcom Lovers and Crime Drama Purists
While many Black-ish fans are thrilled to see Anderson in a new role, some Blue Bloods purists are nervous. Can a sitcom star really hold his own among hardened NYPD characters? Only time will tell.
What Could the Spinoff Be About? Plot Rumors and Theories
A Younger Generation of Cops?
One theory suggests the spinoff could follow a fresh crop of NYPD officers, with Anderson playing a seasoned mentor guiding them through the gritty underbelly of New York.
A Political Drama Twist?
Others believe the series could take a more political turn, with Anderson’s character working within City Hall or the DA’s office, pulling strings behind the scenes.
Could Other Black-ish Cast Members Follow?
Room for Guest Appearances?
Fans are already dreaming about possible cameos from Black-ish co-stars like Tracee Ellis Ross or Yara Shahidi. Hey — crazier TV crossovers have happened!
How Will This Affect Blue Bloods’ Original Cast?
Possible Cameos from the Reagan Family
Will Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan drop by to give the new lead a hard time? Could Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan clash with Anderson’s character? The possibilities are endless — and thrilling.
When Will the Spinoff Premiere?
Expected Release Date and Production Details
CBS is reportedly eyeing a mid-2026 release. Production begins this fall in — you guessed it — the streets of New York City.
The Importance of Diversity in Long-Running Franchises
A Step Toward Representation
Bringing a Black lead into the Blue Bloods world is no small deal. For years, the show has been criticized for its lack of diversity — this move could signal a much-needed change.
What Fans Can Expect From the Tone and Style
Will It Be Lighter or Grittier?
With Anderson’s background in comedy, some expect the show to carry a slightly lighter, witty tone — think Castle or The Rookie. But CBS insists the spinoff will stay true to Blue Bloods’ serious, grounded style.
Why This Move Could Be Game-Changing for CBS
Reviving Legacy Brands for a New Generation
CBS isn’t just creating another cop show — they’re building a bridge between audiences, between generations, between sitcom fans and crime drama lovers. And that’s exactly what network TV needs right now.
Conclusion: A Bold Move That Could Pay Off Big
Whether you’re a Black-ish fan, a Blue Bloods devotee, or just love great television surprises, this news is impossible to ignore. Anthony Anderson (or whoever officially lands the role) could bring a much-needed spark to the aging franchise, reshaping it for the next decade. It’s risky, sure — but sometimes the biggest risks lead to the biggest rewards. Stay tuned… this is only the beginning.
