Donnie Wahlberg’s new police drama Boston Blue, the much-anticipated spin-off of Blue Bloods, will arrive earlier than expected. The series is getting a special early premiere ahead of its official CBS debut — a move that is generating buzz across both Hollywood and international TV markets.
Early Premiere at MIPCOM in Cannes
The first episode of Boston Blue will premiere on October 12, 2025, at the MIPCOM television marketplace in Cannes, France. The screening will take place in the Grand Auditorium at the Palais des Festivals, marking a major highlight of this year’s event.
Paramount Global and CBS are using the early showing to showcase the series to international buyers and media ahead of its U.S. broadcast. It’s a bold strategy designed to build early excitement around one of the most talked-about series of the fall season.
Lisa Kramer, President of International Content Licensing at Paramount Global, said:
“We are thrilled to bring Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green to Cannes to unveil the first episode of Boston Blue, the next chapter in the Blue Bloods universe.”
Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes, added that the Blue Bloods legacy continues to resonate worldwide, and Boston Blue is perfectly positioned to capture that global attention.
CBS Premiere Set for October 17
Following its international debut, Boston Blue will officially premiere on CBS on October 17, 2025, airing Fridays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The show takes over the time slot previously held by Blue Bloods, which ended its long run earlier this year.
CBS executives have expressed confidence that Boston Blue can carry the torch of the original series while attracting a new generation of viewers. The Friday-night slot — long associated with the Reagan family — ensures a sense of continuity for longtime fans.
The Story and Characters
In Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg reprises his iconic role as Detective Danny Reagan, who relocates from New York City to Boston. There, he partners with Detective Lena Silver, portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green, a skilled and determined officer from a respected Boston law enforcement family.
The new setting introduces fresh dynamics and complex relationships, balancing familiar Blue Bloods themes of duty and family with the cultural and political realities of a new city.
The cast also includes several notable names:
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Bridget Moynahan returns as Erin Reagan, appearing in the premiere episode and directing later in the season.
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Mika Amonsen takes over the role of Sean Reagan, Danny’s son, who moves with him to Boston.
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Supporting stars include Ernie Hudson, Maggie Lawson, Gloria Reuben, and Marcus Scribner, all playing key roles in the city’s law enforcement community.
Why the Early Premiere Matters
The decision to unveil Boston Blue early at MIPCOM is more than just a marketing move. It signals CBS’s ambition to position the series as a global television event, not merely a domestic spin-off.
First, the early screening allows international broadcasters to preview and acquire the series before its U.S. launch — ensuring global distribution momentum. Second, it lends prestige to the show by associating it with Cannes, the world’s most respected stage for entertainment premieres.
And finally, it gives Blue Bloods fans around the world an early reason to celebrate the return of the Reagans — even in a new city.
Wahlberg on Continuing the Reagan Legacy
Donnie Wahlberg has spoken openly about how much the Blue Bloods franchise means to him. For years, he portrayed Danny Reagan as a complex mix of toughness, loyalty, and heart.
In interviews promoting Boston Blue, Wahlberg teased that the first episode will surprise viewers and carry emotional depth:
“The first episode is going to blow people’s minds,” he said. “It’s familiar, but it also feels brand new.”
Fans can expect a balance of action, character-driven drama, and the moral storytelling that made Blue Bloods a hit for more than a decade.
Building on the Blue Bloods Legacy
Boston Blue isn’t simply a continuation — it’s a reinvention. While the new series acknowledges the Reagan family’s history, it explores new cultural and social themes through Boston’s unique identity.
Critics have noted that the show’s success will depend on finding the right balance between honoring its roots and creating its own voice. With Wahlberg leading the cast and CBS investing heavily in the project, expectations are high.
A New Chapter for the Franchise
As the countdown to the CBS premiere begins, excitement continues to grow. Boston Blue marks the start of a new era — one that keeps the spirit of Blue Bloods alive while opening the door to new stories, new partners, and a new city.
The early premiere in Cannes is a clear signal: CBS and Paramount are betting big on this series to become their next major police drama. And if the buzz from MIPCOM is any indication, Boston Blue may very well live up to its promise.
So, mark your calendars — October 12 for the Cannes premiere and October 17 for the U.S. debut. A new chapter in law enforcement television is about to begin, and Donnie Wahlberg is once again leading the charge.
