The Blue Bloods universe has successfully transitioned from the hallowed halls of One Police Plaza in New York to the historic streets of Boston with the launch of the highly anticipated spinoff, Boston Blue. Starring Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Danny Reagan, the new series promises to expand the Reagan legacy while introducing new characters and new city dynamics.
One of the most notable additions to the cast is screen legend Ernie Hudson, who plays a key role in the Boston law enforcement family that intersects with Danny’s new life. While the premiere gave fans a welcome dose of nostalgia with cameos from original cast members like Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan) and a confirmed romance with Marisa Ramirez (Maria Baez), Hudson has his sights set on an even bigger prize: the patriarch himself.
In a recent interview, Hudson openly revealed that the major Blue Bloods character he most wants to see return to the Boston-based series is none other than Frank Reagan, played by the iconic Tom Selleck. His desire speaks volumes about the connection between the two series and the enduring power of the Reagan family dynamic.
Why Frank Reagan is the Missing Piece
Ernie Hudson’s reasoning for wanting Police Commissioner Frank Reagan to join the action in Boston Blue is rooted in the very DNA of what made Blue Bloods a cultural phenomenon: the Sunday Family Dinner.
Frank Reagan, the stoic but deeply moral head of the NYPD and the Reagan clan, was the moral compass of the original series. He was the center around which all the professional and personal conflicts resolved, offering wisdom, judgment, and unconditional love. Hudson understands that while Danny Reagan has moved cities, he hasn’t moved on from his family.
The Need for the Patriarch
In Boston Blue, Danny arrives in the city to help his son, Sean Reagan, who has joined the Boston Police Department (BPD). This immediately grounds Danny in the role of a worried father and mentor. But every son, no matter how old, still needs his father.
- Guidance and Gravity: As a veteran leader, Frank’s presence provides an unrivaled sense of gravity and context. Danny is a hotheaded detective; Frank is the seasoned administrator. A simple phone call or, better yet, a visit from Frank would ground the series in its established themes of duty, loyalty, and the burden of the badge.
- The Family Bridge: Frank’s involvement would serve as the most direct emotional link between New York and Boston. While Erin’s quick visit in the premiere helped, a cameo by Frank would symbolize the unbreakable bond of the Reagan family stretching across state lines, satisfying the foundational expectation of the Blue Bloods fanbase.
- A Familiar Face in a New World: The spinoff introduces a host of new characters, including Hudson’s own character, as part of the Boston law enforcement world. Having a familiar, trusted face like Selleck’s drop into this new environment helps audiences settle into the change of scenery while reminding them of the rich history upon which the new series is built.
The Path to a Selleck Cameo
A return by Tom Selleck is complicated, primarily because the actor publicly expressed his readiness to wrap up the character’s storyline when Blue Bloods concluded after 14 seasons. However, the door is not entirely closed, and the new format of Boston Blue actually makes a brief return logistically easier.
Phone Calls and Crossovers
The easiest route, and perhaps the most likely, is a brief crossover scene via a phone call. Fans have already seen this method used effectively in the One Chicago and Law & Order universes. A simple call from Danny seeking his father’s advice on a case, or simply checking in on the rest of the family, would be enough to honor Hudson’s wish and delight viewers.
The precedent for physical returns is also there: Bridget Moynahan’s appearance as Erin Reagan in the premiere proved that a physical cameo is feasible and serves as a powerful ratings draw. If the plot of Boston Blue dictates a major family event—perhaps a Boston-area incident requiring high-level police coordination, or a major life event for Sean—it would provide a natural and justifiable reason for Commissioner Reagan to travel north.
The Power of the Fans and Co-Stars
Hudson’s vocal campaigning isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a strategic move. Actors often gauge fan sentiment and push for narratives they believe will resonate most deeply. By naming Frank Reagan, Hudson is tapping into a powerful truth: The Reagan legacy is Frank Reagan.
Furthermore, Donnie Wahlberg, as both the star and an executive producer of Boston Blue, has significant sway. He has demonstrated a commitment to honoring the original series, most notably by confirming the Danny and Baez romance that fans had clamored for years. If Wahlberg and Hudson join forces, a special guest appearance by Selleck becomes a very real possibility.
The Future of the Blue Bloods Universe
The successful launch of Boston Blue—and the immediate fan reaction to its character choices—highlights a critical lesson for spinoffs: audiences crave continuity, not just a reboot.
While the new BPD team, including the addition of Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver and the expanded role of Hudson’s character, must establish its own identity, it must do so on the shoulders of the original. Ernie Hudson’s plea to bring back Frank Reagan is a recognition that the family dynamic is the franchise’s secret weapon.
It’s an open secret that the Sunday Dinner scenes, anchored by Selleck’s performance, were often the most memorable and highly discussed moments of Blue Bloods. They were forums for moral and professional debate that elevated the show beyond a typical police procedural.
Whether it’s a quick phone call or a seat at the Reagan-Silver family table in Boston, the inclusion of Frank Reagan would complete the emotional picture for Boston Blue. It would satisfy the star who asked for it, honor the decades of storytelling that preceded the spinoff, and give millions of fans exactly what they want: a glimpse of the man who defined the legacy.
