Boston Blue has become one of the most discussed new TV dramas of 2025, thanks to its ties to a beloved franchise and the buzz around its cast and events leading up to the series release.
At the center of this excitement is Donnie Wahlberg, the veteran actor reprising his iconic role as Detective Danny Reagan from Blue Bloods. After that series concluded its remarkable 14-season run in 2024, fans were heartbroken — until CBS revealed Boston Blue as a direct continuation of the Blue Bloods universe, with Wahlberg’s character relocating from the NYPD to the Boston Police Department.
Wahlberg’s commitment to the new series and his strong Boston roots generated intense fan interest. During production, he responded directly to criticism about filming locations after Boston Blue crews initially shot many scenes in Toronto. When fans complained that the show wasn’t using the city it was named for, Wahlberg ensured the production brought cameras to Boston Common — a moment widely shared online and discussed by local audiences.
Adding further star power, the series brings in Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver, Danny Reagan’s new partner and part of a prominent Boston law-enforcement family. Martin-Green, known for major roles in Star Trek: Discovery and The Walking Dead, drew attention for her dramatic scenes opposite Wahlberg in promotional footage, highlighting the partnership dynamic that anchors the show’s narrative.
Another major talking point among fans has been the involvement of original Blue Bloods cast members. Bridget Moynahan makes a surprise guest return as Erin Reagan in the premiere, even directing an episode during the first season — a twist that delighted long-time viewers of the franchise.
Veteran actor Ernie Hudson also joined the cast as Reverend Peters, a respected patriarch of the Silver family, bringing prestige and experience to the ensemble. His casting was celebrated because it deepens the show’s generational themes and reinforces the new family dynamic central to Boston Blue.
Before its broadcast debut on October 17, 2025, Boston Blue held its world premiere at MIPCOM Cannes, where Wahlberg and Martin-Green appeared in person. That event became a major talking point, with fans and industry observers praising the series for expanding a beloved TV universe and bringing new energy to a familiar world.
Overall, Boston Blue has tapped into decades of fan loyalty while creating new anticipation through its cast reunions, on-location filming controversies, and high-profile appearances — making it one of the most talked-about television events of the year.