The end of after fourteen successful seasons was a hard pill for fans—and the cast—to swallow. The final scene around the Reagan family dinner table in New York left a void in network television. However, the announcement of the spin-off, , starring Donnie Wahlberg as the relocating Detective Danny Reagan, has opened an exciting new chapter for the franchise. The burning question on every fan’s mind, though, remains: will the patriarch, Commissioner Frank Reagan, played by the iconic Tom Selleck, ever step foot in Beantown?
Donnie Wahlberg, who serves as both the lead and an executive producer on the new series, has been vocal about his desire to keep the Reagan family legacy alive. His recent comments regarding the possibility of Selleck making an appearance on are more than just hopeful—they’re promising, hinting that the door to a father-son reunion is wide open.
Bridging the Distance: “New York and Boston are Really Close”
The central premise of sees Danny Reagan, New York to his core, taking a position with the Boston Police Department. This geographical shift is designed to introduce a fresh setting, a new law enforcement family (the Silvers, led by Ernie Hudson’s Reverend Peters), and a new set of professional challenges for the veteran detective.
However, Wahlberg has consistently emphasized that a change of setting doesn’t have to mean a complete break from the past. When asked about the chances of Tom Selleck reprising his role as Frank Reagan, Wahlberg’s answer was both logical and encouraging.
“New York and Boston are really close,” Wahlberg noted, adding, “They’re not that far apart.”
This seemingly simple statement carries significant weight. It grounds the possibility of a crossover in real-world geography, making a guest appearance feel entirely plausible within the confines of the universe. As the NYPD Commissioner, Frank often deals with high-level, cross-state issues, and a trip to consult with the Boston PD or simply to visit his son (and Danny’s son, Sean Reagan, who has been recast and will be part of the Boston Blue ensemble) is easily justified.
Frank Reagan’s Open Door Policy
The momentum for a Selleck crossover isn’t coming just from Wahlberg; the veteran actor himself has expressed strong interest in continuing Frank Reagan’s story. Selleck was vocally disappointed with CBS’s decision to cancel Blue Bloods, often stating that the show was still a ratings anchor and that the entire cast wanted to continue.
His comments since the cancellation have shown a deep affection for the character and a willingness to explore his future. When asked about appearing in a spin-off, Selleck acknowledged the challenge of maintaining the original’s core—the Reagan family dynamic—but was “open to suggestions because I love Frank Reagan.”
Selleck has often defined his character by his unwavering dedication to the job, famously stating he believes Frank would remain “commissioner till he drops.” This commitment suggests Frank won’t simply be retiring to Florida. His life is the job and his family. Therefore, the most logical way to feature Frank post-Blue Bloods is through the lens of his family ties—a perfect narrative opening for a trip to Boston to check on Danny.
The combination of Wahlberg’s strong desire for a reunion and Selleck’s open, proud willingness to wear the badge again makes a cameo feel inevitable.
The Narrative Power of a Crossover
An appearance by Frank Reagan in would serve multiple critical purposes beyond pure fan service:
1. Establishing Legitimacy and Legacy
The introduction of Danny Reagan to Boston is a major shift. A cameo by the revered Frank Reagan would instantly confer a sense of legacy and legitimacy upon the new series. It would serve as a powerful signal to long-time viewers that the spin-off is a true extension of the universe, not just a shallow cash-in. It would firmly connect the Reagan legacy to the new Silver family, adding gravitas to the show’s underlying themes of generational policing.
2. Maintaining the Family Throughline
The Sunday dinner was the emotional core of . While will introduce its own family dynamic via the Silver clan, Danny Reagan’s character relies heavily on his father’s counsel and his family’s loyalty. A visit from Frank would allow the show to touch back on those essential father-son dynamics—Frank’s wisdom grounding Danny’s intensity—which was a hallmark of the original series’ success. It ensures that Danny remains connected to his New York roots.
3. The ‘Fish Out of Water’ Dynamic
Wahlberg has promised that Boston Blue will be “really fun letting Danny be a fish out of water,” but he quickly adds that it’s “important to remember where he comes from and what the Blue Bloods legacy is.” Frank Reagan’s presence, even briefly, would serve as the ultimate reminder of Danny’s origins, potentially creating an interesting layer of conflict as Danny navigates his new partnership with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green) under the watchful eye of his legendary father.
A Universe Expansion Built on Respect
It’s clear that the development of is a project driven by Wahlberg’s respect for the original show and his co-stars. He has been instrumental in ensuring the new show carries the “honesty, loyalty, and family” themes that defined .
While is introducing a rich, new ensemble, including a new family patriarch in Ernie Hudson’s Reverend Peters (who serves as a guiding light for his own law enforcement family in Boston), the show’s lineage back to the Reagans is crucial. Wahlberg’s continued public teasing of a Selleck appearance shows he recognizes that Frank Reagan is not just a character; he is a pillar of the entire universe.
As production ramps up on ahead of its premiere, the question of a Frank Reagan cameo isn’t a matter of if but . Wahlberg’s enthusiasm and Selleck’s openness have aligned, creating the perfect climate for the most anticipated television crossover of the season. Fans can hold onto hope that Danny Reagan’s commute across the Northeast will be regularly made by his beloved, stern, and ever-present father, ensuring the Reagan family tradition—of counsel, crime-fighting, and complex morality—will continue in the new Boston setting.
