After more than a decade as one of television’s most reliable crime family dramas, the CBS police procedural Blue Bloods officially wrapped its 14-season run in late 2024 — and the emotional impact continues to ripple through fans and cast alike. Donnie Wahlberg, who portrayed Detective Danny Reagan, has now given one of his most candid interviews yet about letting go of the series that defined a generation of viewers.
Unfiltered Raw Emotions After Saying Goodbye
Wahlberg admitted that the end of Blue Bloods hit him harder than he expected. In a rare behind-the-scenes conversation, he revealed that after filming his final scenes, he was overwhelmed with emotion and “couldn’t turn off the tears for days” — a reaction that surprised even his closest colleagues.
Fans who followed the series finale also recall how Wahlberg delivered a heartfelt tribute speech to his longtime co-star Tom Selleck, underscoring just how close the cast became over the years.
Next Chapter: Boston Blue Sparks New Debate
Rather than fading into retirement, Wahlberg swiftly transitioned from Blue Bloods to starring in the spinoff Boston Blue, which sees his character Danny Reagan transfer from the NYPD to the Boston Police Department — a narrative twist that has fans shocked, thrilled, and sometimes divided.
In new coverage this week, Danny has permanently turned in his NYPD badge and taken up a Boston PD badge, fueling speculation about how this career move will shape his personal relationships on screen — especially his on-again, off-again romance with Maria Baez — and what it means for the legacy of Blue Bloods.
Social Media Explodes With Reactions
Online fan forums have lit up with heated discussion about Wahlberg’s transition:
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Some fans applaud the evolution, saying the move breathes fresh life into Danny Reagan’s story and sets up an exciting new era.
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Others accuse the franchise of abandoning the heart of Blue Bloods, arguing the spin-off can’t capture the same emotional family dynamic that made the original beloved.
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A growing faction insists Donnie “sold out” the legacy by shifting focus so quickly without fully honoring the original series’ conclusion.
Renewal Against the Odds
Despite the controversy, Boston Blue has already been renewed for a second season, proving that the network still sees strong demand for the Reagan universe — even if Blue Bloods proper is no more.
Bottom Line: What was once a deeply emotional farewell from a long-running series is now a tinderbox of fandom debate, personal drama, and creative rebirth — making Donnie Wahlberg’s journey from Blue Bloods to Boston Blue one of the most discussed entertainment headlines of the year.