Blue Bloods is a CBS institution. The show lasted a whopping 14 seasons on the network, and proved to be one of its steadiest ratings draws. So much so, in fact, that the cast voiced frustration when the show canceled.
Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg made it clear they didn't want to call it quits just yet, and each of them expressed an interest in continuing via spinoff or sequel series. Well, one of the actors got their wish. Wahlberg will be heading up Boston Bloods, a spinoff that follows his character as he relocates to the Athens of America.
CBS considered Texas as a spinoff setting
The thing is, Boston Bloods was almost very different. The title of the city may be in the title, but Deadline revealed that CBS executives briefly considered setting the spinoff in Texas instead. This means Wahlberg's character, Danny Reagan, would have moved from New York all the way to the Lone Star state for a fresh start.
It would be have been fascinating, to say the least. Boston Bloods is going to be an easier transition, in terms of both geography and culture. Plus, it will make things easier if any of Danny Reagan's family members want to drop by for a visit.
CBS knew they had a valuable property on their hands, and they wanted to make sure they made the right decision when it came time to launch a spinoff. They even considered a spinoff that would ditch Danny and focus on his father, Frank Reagan (Selleck), instead. The selection of a younger star, and a complimentary East Coast city, made the most sense, though.
Danny Reagan will be paired with a new partner
One has to wonder whether CBS' decision to sidestep Texas stems from the fact that 9-1-1: Lone Star was recently canceled by FOX. Another spinoff of a procedural show set in Texas, and one that struggled to stay above water during its final season. 9-1-1 has decided to launch a new spinoff and retire the Lone Star brand, so there may have been some fear about making the same mistake as the rival network.
Entertainment Weekly confirmed that Boston Bloods will pair Danny Reagan up with new partner Lena Peters. The casting for Peters' character has not yet been revealed, but the CBS description reveals that she is "the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family." Sounds like Danny can relate.
Danny Reagan has had some romantic undercurrents with his female partners before, so one can only assume a similar dynamic will develop between him and Peters as the show goes on. We will definitely be tuned in to find out.