When Blue Bloods ended after 14 seasons, fans were heartbroken to say goodbye to the Reagan family and their legendary dinner table. But with the arrival of the spinoff Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg — who played Detective Danny Reagan — is keeping the legacy alive. And in a recent interview, the actor revealed which major Blue Bloods character he hopes will make a comeback in the new series.
Honoring the Past, Expanding the Future
Wahlberg explained that although Boston Blue takes place in a new city — Boston instead of New York — he wants to preserve the spirit and tradition that made Blue Bloods special. “If he’s a Reagan, it’s never just Danny alone,” he said.
He added that even though Danny has moved, “the Reagans are only a phone call away.”
This statement immediately sparked speculation among fans that the show might include guest appearances from other members of the Reagan family, keeping the emotional connection between both series intact.
The Major Character Wahlberg Wants Back
Throughout his interviews, Wahlberg has repeatedly mentioned one name — Frank Reagan, the family patriarch played by Tom Selleck. Wahlberg said with a knowing smile:
“New York and Boston are really close… they’re not that far apart.”
That simple comment was enough to make fans wonder if Frank might appear in Boston Blue as a guest or in flashback form. Wahlberg expressed optimism, saying that because the two cities are geographically close, crossovers are absolutely possible.
According to Good Housekeeping, Wahlberg “shared optimism, suggesting there is still hope for guest appearances by Danny’s family, including Frank, as the proximity between New York and Boston makes such cameos feasible.”
Why Wahlberg Wants Frank Reagan to Return
There are several emotional and creative reasons why Wahlberg hopes to see Frank again:
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Family and Tradition – Frank Reagan has always been the moral and emotional anchor of the Reagan family. His relationship with Danny defines much of Danny’s drive and character. Having Frank appear in Boston Blue would symbolize continuity rather than separation.
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Emotional Closure – After Blue Bloods’ cancellation, many viewers felt a sense of unfinished business. Seeing Frank again would offer comfort and familiarity, helping fans transition into this new era of storytelling.
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Legacy and Trust – Wahlberg understands that for longtime fans, Frank represents the heart of Blue Bloods. Including him — even briefly — reassures the audience that Boston Blue is not a total reboot, but a respectful continuation.
Is Frank’s Return Confirmed?
Not yet. While Wahlberg is clearly enthusiastic about the idea, CBS and the Boston Blue production team have not confirmed Tom Selleck’s involvement.
Good Housekeeping reports that “Tom Selleck will not return as Frank Reagan as a series regular in the new show.”
Still, Wahlberg hinted that Blue Bloods characters are “creeping into” Boston Blue, suggesting possible cameo appearances if the spinoff gains traction.
Returning Faces We Already Know
While Tom Selleck’s return remains uncertain, several other familiar characters have been confirmed:
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Erin Reagan (played by Bridget Moynahan) will guest star and even direct an episode of Boston Blue.
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Sean Reagan (Danny’s son) will appear in the series, though the role has been recast with actor Mika Amonsen taking over from Andrew Terraciano.
These appearances already ensure that the Reagan family bond stays alive, even across city lines.
What It Means for Fans
Bringing back Frank Reagan — even briefly — would be a powerful emotional bridge between the two shows. It would soften the transition from New York to Boston, keeping the moral backbone of Blue Bloods intact while allowing Boston Blue to grow into its own story.
It would also give fans a sense of connection and closure. After all, for many, Blue Bloods wasn’t just about solving crimes — it was about family, loyalty, and faith.
Predictions and Possibilities
Wahlberg emphasized that while Boston Blue will include familiar faces, it won’t simply recreate Blue Bloods. “This is about Danny being a dad and worrying about his son,” he explained — suggesting a more personal and emotionally grounded storyline.
If Boston Blue performs well, Wahlberg even hinted at expanding the Blue Bloods universe — perhaps through crossover events or a potential film project uniting both casts.
A Message to the Fans
At its core, Donnie Wahlberg’s vision for Boston Blue balances two worlds — honoring the Reagan family’s past while forging a new path forward. His desire to bring back Frank Reagan shows his respect for the legacy that shaped him and his deep understanding of what fans truly want: connection.
Even if Frank doesn’t return right away, Wahlberg’s words reassure audiences that Boston Blue is a continuation, not a replacement — and that “a Reagan is always just one phone call away.”
