Even as he embodies the serious, often intense Detective Danny Reagan on CBS’s hit drama Blue Bloods, Donnie Wahlberg proves that a little bit of his legendary past is never far from his mind – or the set! In a move that’s equal parts mischievous and brilliant, Wahlberg, a proud and enduring member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), managed to pull off a musical prank right under the noses of everyone involved with the show.
The clever act occurred during an episode in Season 8 of Blue Bloods. Wahlberg, with a sly grin only he could pull off, secretly arranged for a New Kids on the Block track to be played as background music in a bar scene. Picture it: Danny Reagan, sitting in a dimly lit bar, perhaps contemplating a case or unwinding after a long day, while subtly, almost subliminally, the sounds of NKOTB filled the air.
What makes this prank truly remarkable is that it went completely undetected. Neither the episode’s director, nor his fellow castmates, nor even the most eagle-eyed and dedicated fans, picked up on the hidden musical easter egg at the time. The song blended so seamlessly into the scene’s ambient noise that it slipped by everyone’s radar. It wasn’t until Wahlberg himself decided to confess his playful stunt that the secret was revealed. With a proud, teasing confession, he admitted, “That was our ‘Step by Step’ in there!” – referring to one of NKOTB’s biggest hits.
This delightful behind-the-scenes anecdote showcases Wahlberg’s enduring connection to his musical roots and his playful personality, which often shines through even in his more dramatic acting roles. It’s a testament to the fact that even a seasoned actor and former pop idol can’t resist a good, harmless prank. For fans, it’s a charming insight into the real-life Donnie Wahlberg, proving that the vibrant, fun-loving spirit of the New Kids on the Block era is still very much a part of him. Indeed, it seems an old idol truly never runs out of new tricks to entertain, both on and off the screen!
