The decision to transition Danny Reagan from the NYPD to the Boston Police Department (BPD) was not one Wahlberg took lightly. The shadow of Blue Bloods‘ 14-season run, and the profound connection to the ensemble cast—especially the relationship with Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan—required careful consideration.
Wahlberg revealed that he sought counsel from Selleck early in the development process for Boston Blue. The conversation was not just about professional logistics; it was about honoring the legacy they had built together.
According to Wahlberg, Selleck’s initial reaction was deeply supportive, yet tinged with the emotion of closing the original chapter. Selleck reportedly emphasized the responsibility Wahlberg now carried—not just to create a hit show, but to maintain the integrity and moral compass of the Reagan name.
“He made it clear that what we created on Blue Bloods was sacred,” Wahlberg shared. “Tom was very supportive, but his first thought was always about the fans and the legacy. He wanted to make sure that whatever I did next, it had the same heart. That meant a lot.”
Selleck, having anchored a successful procedural for years, understood the delicate balance between continuing a beloved character and launching a new, distinct series. His blessing was less about a green light and more about a pat on the back from a mentor, a sentiment that underscored the deep, father-son bond they forged both on and off-screen.
🧭 The Guiding Principle: Keep the Reagan Spirit Alive
The single most important piece of advice Selleck offered, according to Wahlberg, was to keep the “Reagan spirit” alive. This spirit, synonymous with integrity, duty, and the iconic Sunday dinners, had to be the foundation of Boston Blue, even if the setting and supporting cast changed.
The Blue Bloods universe was defined by the theme of family. While Danny has moved to Boston to be closer to his son Sean, the show introduces the Silver family—a powerful Boston law enforcement clan that operates as a new parallel to the Reagans.
Wahlberg confirmed this was a direct effort to heed Selleck’s advice. The new series focuses on the transfer of the Reagan ethos into a new environment:
- Duty and Honor: Danny’s commitment to justice remains unshakeable, a trait Frank Reagan instilled.
- The Family Dinner: Boston Blue features its own family gatherings with the Silvers, proving that the ritual of coming together to discuss work and life is universal.
- Parental Guidance: Just as Frank guided Danny, Danny is now guiding his own son, Sean, who has become a BPD patrolman. This generational continuation is the core of the Reagan legacy.
Selleck’s wisdom helped Wahlberg understand that the audience’s loyalty wasn’t just to the actors, but to the ideals the Reagan family represented. By anchoring the spinoff in these foundational values, they ensure Boston Blue feels like a true extension of the universe, not just a contractual obligation.
🌉 The Crossover Conversation: A Nod to the Future
One of the burning questions for fans of both shows is the possibility of a Tom Selleck cameo in Boston Blue. While no official plans have been confirmed, Wahlberg revealed that he and Selleck have discussed the proximity of New York and Boston—a clear hint that the possibility is very much alive.
“I told him, ‘New York and Boston are not that far apart, Frank. A little road trip might be in order,’” Wahlberg joked, adding that Selleck merely smiled. “He’s focused on the finale of Blue Bloods and finishing that chapter right, but he’s never closed the door on the idea of one of the Reagans traveling north.”
This dialogue suggests a beautiful mutual respect. Selleck wants the original series to conclude with the dignity it deserves, while acknowledging the potential for future visits. The door remains open for a future event—perhaps a family emergency or a major case—that necessitates a visit from the former NYPD Commissioner.
The presence of other original cast members, such as Bridget Moynahan’s Erin Reagan and Marisa Ramirez’s Maria Baez, in the early episodes of Boston Blue confirms that the worlds are intimately connected. Knowing that the patriarch’s blessing accompanies these crossovers adds an extra layer of emotional resonance for the audience.
🙏 An Enduring Bond: More Than Co-Stars
Wahlberg’s repeated sharing of these private thoughts underscores the depth of the professional and personal relationship between the two stars. For 14 years, they sat at the head of a powerful television family, and that experience forged a genuine respect.
Selleck’s support went beyond just the professional realm; it provided a much-needed emotional anchor for Wahlberg as he embarked on a demanding new production. Transitioning a character from a long-running, successful show to a spin-off is a high-pressure gamble, and having the patriarch’s confidence was a significant motivational factor.
Boston Blue isn’t just about Danny Reagan’s new life; it’s about the next generation carrying the torch. With Tom Selleck’s private thoughts now public, fans can be assured that the soul of Blue Bloods remains intact. The show may have a new accent and a new cityscape, but the values, the sacrifice, and the commitment to justice that defined the Reagans are alive and well in the BPD.
Danny Reagan has left the comfort of his father’s watch in New York, but he’s carrying a piece of Frank Reagan with him to the streets of Boston. The biggest “secret” of Boston Blue is that the spirit of Frank Reagan is its moral co-pilot, guiding the new narrative every step of the way.
