The idea of a major character from CBS’s Blue Bloods—the quintessential New York police drama—making a guest appearance on NBC’s Chicago P.D. is, admittedly, a wild fantasy. The two shows exist in entirely different television universes, separated by network, production company (CBS Studios vs. Wolf Entertainment), and thousands of miles. Yet, the fan desire for such a crossover is a testament to the shared appeal of these gritty, family-focused police procedurals.
The term “Boston Blue,” often used in fan discussions, encapsulates this longing: the hope that a highly recognizable police procedural figure (Blue Bloods) could bridge the gap and briefly appear in the darker, more action-oriented world of the One Chicago franchise. If the television gods were to grant one Reagan family member a brief cameo with Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit, who would be the most compelling fit, and what narrative purpose would their visit serve?
The consensus among fans leans heavily toward two powerhouse characters: Commissioner Frank Reagan and his famously rogue son, Detective Danny Reagan.
1. Commissioner Frank Reagan: The Ultimate Test of Authority
Played by: Tom Selleck
Why He’s a Dream Cameo: Frank Reagan is the New York City Police Commissioner—a man whose authority is absolute, yet whose integrity is constantly tested by political pressures and family drama. He is the patriarch and the moral bedrock of Blue Bloods. His character would be a perfect foil for Chicago P.D.’s own complex, rule-bending leader.
The Voight Dynamic
A cameo by Frank Reagan would not be about chasing criminals; it would be about clash of authority and philosophy.
- The Internal Affairs Threat: Imagine a storyline where the Intelligence Unit’s methods—which frequently involve bending or outright breaking the rules—draw the attention of a national police ethics review board, or perhaps a temporary FBI task force advising the CPD on “best practices.” Frank Reagan could be the high-ranking, external voice of institutional righteousness brought in to critique the Unit.
- A Meeting of Titans: A scene where Reagan (Selleck) and Voight (Jason Beghe) exchange veiled threats and sharp philosophical arguments in Voight’s dimly lit office would be pure television gold. Reagan represents the old-school, public-facing, principled leader, while Voight represents the darker, ends-justify-the-means street cop. Reagan’s presence would force Voight to justify his methods to an audience beyond his internal chain of command, raising the stakes on the Intelligence Unit’s ethics.
- The Dignity Factor: Reagan carries himself with a quiet, undeniable dignity. His presence alone would disrupt the rough-and-tumble energy of the 21st District, offering a powerful contrast that highlights how differently policing works in the two cities.
Narrative Function: To provide a powerful external antagonist that is not criminal, but moral and political, forcing the Unit to question its own ethical boundaries.
2. Detective Danny Reagan: The Perfect Partner for Action
Played by: Donnie Wahlberg
Why He’s a Dream Cameo: If Frank represents the cerebral side of policing, Danny Reagan represents the visceral, emotional, and often reckless side. As a highly decorated detective, Danny thrives on instinct and intensity, making him the most suitable on-the-street partner for a brief, high-octane Chicago P.D. storyline.
The Crossover Scenario
The most plausible scenario for a Danny Reagan appearance would involve a cross-jurisdictional investigation, a classic Dick Wolf trope.
- Tracking a Fugitive: Danny could arrive in Chicago tracking a high-profile felon from New York who has fled the state, forcing him to reluctantly partner with Voight’s team. This allows Danny, who is famously territorial, to clash with the Unit’s dominant personalities, such as Sergeant Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) and Officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati).
- A Shared Case: The case could involve a serial offender, a drug cartel, or a human trafficking ring that has operations in both New York and Chicago, requiring Danny and the Intelligence Unit to merge their resources.
- The Temper Test: Danny’s quick temper and tendency to challenge authority would be the perfect match for the often-aggressive energy of the Intelligence Unit. A scene where Danny and Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) have to overcome their initial friction to save a life would be a massive highlight.
Donnie Wahlberg’s natural charisma and on-screen intensity are a seamless fit for the P.D. environment. He would not feel like a tourist; he would feel like a cop who accidentally wandered onto the wrong set but immediately understood the job.
Narrative Function: To inject high-energy action and temporary friction into the Unit’s dynamic, providing a guest partner whose commitment to justice rivals Voight’s, but whose methods are also questionable.
Why Other Reagans Are Less Likely
While fans love the entire Reagan family, some characters’ roles make a crossover less likely to work:
- Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan): As an Assistant District Attorney, Erin’s role would involve legal and political maneuvering. While a legal challenge to the Unit is plausible, her presence would necessitate a major legal plot arc, which is often reserved for Chicago Med or a major P.D. finale, making the cameo less about the character and more about the case.
- Jamie Reagan (Will Estes): Jamie, a patrol officer and eventually a Sergeant, is the most straight-laced Reagan. His uncompromising adherence to the rules would make him an immediate casualty in the Intelligence Unit’s world. His moral compass would clash too violently with Voight’s; the conflict would be less enjoyable friction and more structural incompatibility.
- Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk): The Commissioner’s primary aide, her role is too confined to Frank’s office. A cameo would feel like a logistical footnote rather than a character event.
The True Spirit of the ‘Boston Blue’ Dream
The desire for a Blue Bloods cameo isn’t simply about seeing a favorite actor in a new location. It’s about exploring the fundamental differences in policing across America’s fictional television landscape.
- Blue Bloods (NYC): Focuses on the institutional integrity of the police force, exploring the political and moral decisions made at the top of the chain of command, often emphasizing family legacy.
- Chicago P.D. (Chicago): Focuses on the street-level corruption, violence, and moral gray areas in the pursuit of justice, often emphasizing the “thin blue line” mentality and loyalty to the immediate team.
A cameo by either Frank Reagan or Danny Reagan would force these two worlds to collide, directly challenging the Intelligence Unit’s methods. It would be an event that transcends the #OneChicago universe, becoming a television moment that satisfies both the procedural drama fan and the character enthusiast.
While the contractual barriers remain high, the shared commitment to the complexities of law enforcement—the “Blue” in both their titles—keeps the dream of a Reagan landing in Chicago very much alive in the hearts of fans.
