‘Boston Blue’ Already Failed Its First Big Test

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Fans were especially eager to find out why Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, moved from New York and left his famous police family to star in the new series, Boston Blue. The show made it clear that Danny’s main reason for the move was to be closer to his son, Sean, who was also being reintroduced as a key character. Sean chose to start his career in Boston to step out from under the shadow of the well-known Reagan law enforcement family in New York.

Danny’s trip to Boston began when Sean was hospitalized after bravely trying to rescue people from a building fire. Once in Boston, Danny met the Silver family, a well-known police family, and teamed up with detective Lena Silver to investigate the arson. Though he initially came to support Sean’s recovery and solve the case, Danny has now decided to remain in Boston for the foreseeable future, likely for the rest of the series.

If Danny only appeared in the first episode of Boston Blue and occasionally after that, Sean’s hospitalization would be a reasonable reason for him to come to Boston. However, making Danny a full-time character feels forced and doesn’t make sense. This weak explanation for Danny’s move doesn’t solve the show’s biggest problem: justifying CBS’s decision to end the popular Blue Bloods after 14 seasons in order to create Boston Blue.

Danny Reagan Has a New Family in ‘Boston Blue’


CBS

There’s been a lot of discussion about whether characters from Blue Bloods will appear on the new spin-off, and the show is following a similar format. Like Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods, Boston Blue features Reverend Edwin Peters, played by Ernie Hudson, a pastor who leads a law enforcement family with diverse backgrounds. Just as Blue Bloods often ends with the Reagans’ Sunday dinner, the first episode of Boston Blue concludes with Danny and his sister Erin sharing a Friday Shabbat dinner with Reverend Peters and the Silver family. During this dinner, Erin connects with Mae Silver, played by Gloria Reuben, who serves as the District Attorney – a role mirroring Erin’s on the original series.

The show features a touching moment, but it really highlights how Boston Blue is constantly compared to Blue Bloods. While seeing Danny in a new setting, and guest appearances from actors like Moynahan, will likely keep viewers interested for a while – as proven by the strong start – relying on this nostalgia won’t work forever. The more Boston Blue depends on characters and storylines from Blue Bloods, the more people will question why the original show ended, rather than focusing on what Boston Blue has to offer on its own.

‘Boston Blue’ Must Distance Itself From ‘Blue Bloods’ To Be Successful


CBS

If Boston Blue launched as its own show, it would likely be seen as a typical police drama similar to Blue Bloods. However, with Donnie Wahlberg reprising his role as Danny Reagan, the spin-off will have difficulty establishing a unique identity and standing on its own.

The new series Boston Blue is closely tied to actor Donnie Wahlberg, who is from Boston, but his constant involvement actually creates challenges for the show. It’s particularly hard to understand why his character, Danny, would suddenly move to Boston permanently. Because Danny is the central figure, Boston Blue feels more like a continuation of Blue Bloods than a truly separate spin-off. A key moment in the premiere features Danny, visiting his sick son in Boston, speaking on the phone with his father, Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, leading fans to wonder if Tom Selleck might appear in a future episode.

Tom Selleck Should Avoid a ‘Boston Blue’ Appearance


CBS

When CBS cancelled Blue Bloods, Tom Selleck, who played Frank Reagan, was very outspoken about wanting to continue the show for a 15th season. Now, with Bridget Moynahan reprising her role as Erin Reagan in the new series Boston Blue, and a romantic connection revealed between Danny and Maria Baez, many expect Frank Reagan to appear as well. Donnie Wahlberg has indicated he’d be happy to work with Selleck again on the new show, making that possibility even more likely.

I’d be thrilled to see Tom Selleck back, of course! But his return always brings up the question of why they cancelled the original Blue Bloods in the first place to make way for Boston Blue. Honestly, while the show might have been starting to feel a little familiar creatively, it was still a really good series when they ended it, and it’s hard not to wonder ‘what if?’

If Tom Selleck is still upset about Blue Bloods ending, it’s unlikely he’ll appear in the new spin-off. He previously turned down a guest spot on the Magnum P.I. reboot, seemingly because he didn’t want to appear to endorse it. It would be understandable and fitting if he took the same approach with Boston Blue. Boston Blue is currently airing on CBS and can also be streamed on Paramount+.

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2025-10-26 23:07