The launch of Boston Blue, the highly-anticipated spinoff to the beloved police procedural Blue Bloods, has successfully ushered Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) into a new chapter. The series premiere was a triumphant mix of familiar faces and a compelling new environment, delivering on the promise of continuing the Reagan family saga in a fresh, Boston-centric way. Already, the show has treated viewers to surprise cameos from fan-favorite characters, ensuring that the thread connecting New York and Boston remains firmly intact.
However, despite the returns of Bridget Moynahan’s Erin Reagan and the highly satisfying surprise appearance of Marisa Ramirez’s Detective Maria Baez, the question on every dedicated Blue Bloods viewer’s mind remains: Will the ultimate Reagan family patriarch, Commissioner Frank Reagan, make an appearance?
Now, one of Boston Blue’s own main stars has thrown his weight behind the fan campaign, revealing the one Blue Bloods character he most wants to see make the jump to Beantown: Frank Reagan, played by the legendary Tom Selleck.
The Boston Blue Star Making the Plea
The voice of this fan-favorite desire comes from none other than Ernie Hudson, who plays Reverend Edwin Peters on Boston Blue. Reverend Peters is the patriarch of the Silver family, the prominent Boston-based law enforcement dynasty that Danny Reagan now finds himself working alongside. Hudson’s character serves as a spiritual and community anchor, reminiscent of the wisdom and gravity often embodied by the senior members of the Reagan family.
In a recent interview, Hudson didn’t hesitate to name the one actor and character from the original series he’s eager to share the screen with.
“That would be great,” Hudson said, specifically referring to the possibility of Tom Selleck reprising his iconic role. “I’d love to work with Tom. I never have. Over the years, I’ve certainly admired his work. I admire his work, and he’s still ready to do whatever.”
Hudson’s praise highlights not just the character’s importance, but also a deep professional respect for Selleck himself. For a veteran actor like Hudson, who has brought depth to countless roles across film and television, wanting to collaborate with an industry titan like Selleck speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and significance of the character Frank Reagan.
Why Frank Reagan is the Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Frank Reagan is more than just a police commissioner; he is the moral and philosophical center of the Blue Bloods universe. His presence—or even his carefully worded advice—has been the driving force behind many of Danny’s toughest decisions over the years. His potential appearance on Boston Blue carries weight for several key reasons, both narrative and emotional.
The Father/Son Dynamic Transferred
The central premise of Boston Blue revolves around Danny Reagan moving to his hometown of Boston to support his son, Sean Reagan (Mika Amonsen), a newly minted patrol cop who is injured in the line of duty. This new chapter has flipped the script, making Danny the father of a cop—a dynamic Donnie Wahlberg himself has cited as a major draw for the spinoff.
But to truly understand Danny’s new role, the show must continue to acknowledge the man who molded him: Frank. The premiere episode already teased this connection with an off-screen phone call where Danny updates his dad on Sean’s condition. Furthermore, Boston Police Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson) mentions that Frank—still the NYPD Commissioner—vouched for Danny, confirming that Frank’s influence spans state lines.
An actual on-screen reunion between Frank and Danny would not only be an emotional payoff for fans but would also provide a crucial sounding board for Danny as he navigates being a “fish out of water” in a new police department while worrying about his son. Imagine the gravitas of a Frank Reagan appearance at a Boston version of the Reagan family dinner, providing wisdom that connects the two policing families.
Bridging the Universes
While Boston Blue has made a commendable effort to establish its own identity with the compelling Silver family—a multiracial, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement dynasty including a District Attorney, a Police Superintendent, and a Detective—Frank Reagan remains the most potent symbol of continuity.
His presence would be the ultimate stamp of approval on the spinoff, satisfying the “hardcore fans” who tune in primarily to see the Reagan family legacy continued. An appearance by Selleck would solidify the connection between the New York and Boston “Blue” franchises, potentially opening the door for future crossover events or guest appearances from other members of the original cast, like Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) or Henry Reagan (Len Cariou).
The Path to a Cameo: Is it Possible?
The good news for Ernie Hudson and fans is that the door to a Frank Reagan cameo is wide open.
Proximity: New York and Boston are close enough geographically for a weekend trip, making Frank’s appearance entirely plausible within the show’s reality. Unlike a move across the country, a quick journey up the I-95 corridor for a family emergency or an official consultation is easy to justify.
Narrative Setup: The first episode established that Frank is still heavily involved in Danny’s life and is willing to use his considerable influence to help his family, even in Boston. This foundation of support and connection sets the perfect stage for a physical appearance.
Fan Demand: As Hudson’s comments confirm, the desire to see Tom Selleck back in the role, even for a single episode, is overwhelming. Showrunners of successful franchises are often keenly aware of fan sentiment, and given the positive reception to the premiere cameos, it’s a high-reward move.
Ernie Hudson’s public wish serves as a compelling new layer to the Boston Blue narrative. The addition of Frank Reagan would be more than just a nostalgic stunt; it would be a rich narrative opportunity to explore the father-son dynamic in a new light, connect the two series, and deliver an emotional moment that fans have been waiting for since the spinoff was announced.
Whether it’s a surprise visit to a hospital bedside, a shared coffee at the Boston PD, or even a tense conversation over a modified ‘family dinner,’ the appearance of Frank Reagan on Boston Blue, as championed by Ernie Hudson, would undoubtedly be the moment that solidifies the spinoff as a true and worthy successor to the Blue Bloods legacy. Viewers will be watching closely, hoping that the showrunners grant Reverend Peters—and the millions of fans—their ultimate Reagan wish.
