There is no bigger Blue Bloods fan that Donnie Wahlberg. The actor has been championing the show since day one, and his enthusiasm for the show actually helped convince co-star Bridget Moynahan to appear in the pilot. It makes sense, then that Wahlberg would be the one to carry the torch into the franchise's future.
Wahlberg will reprise his role as Danny Reagan on Boston Bloods, the spinoff set to premiere during the 2025-26 season on CBS. The network issued a promo confirming the show's release, though it was relatively scant on details and new footage. We actually got way more insight into the show due to Wahlberg's Instagram message following the promo's release.
Wahlberg is eager to continue the show's "legacy"
The actor claimed that the show will deliver multiple surprises for longtime Blue Bloods fans. It will also provide answers to any questions that the Blue Bloods finale sparked. "So excited to carry on the tradition, to share so many surprises," Wahlberg wrote on Instagram. "To answer some unanswered questions and to welcome all of you — to [Boston Bloods]!"
Wahlberg also confirmed that Boston Bloods will serve as the next chapter in the larger Blue Bloods storyline, rather than a spinoff featuring the same character. It will share the same DNA, and further the "legacy" of the Reagan family. There's a lot riding on the show, and CBS knows it. The network made sure to take its time determing the right approach for a spinoff, given the original's success.
"We’ve got to get it right so we’re taking our time and trying to figure it out, okay, what is the next iteration of Blue Bloods," explained CBS President David Stapf in 2024. Evidently, relocating one of the core Reagan family members to Boston was the move. Danny Reagan ended Blue Bloods at an interesting point in his life.
Reagan's relationship with Baez will be clarified
The character's partnership with Maria Baez reached a sort of culmination, which is something the actors specifically pushed for. Donnie Wahlberg told Variety that he wanted Reagan and Baez to get to a point of understanding, even if they never fully realized any romantic feelings they had.
"I went to [writer] Siobhan O’Connor, and I was like, 'Listen, you've got to do something," he stated. "They don’t need to go get married, but something would be nice, just to show that there may be a future for them, or that their relationship has really evolved.'"
This evolution is crucial for a series finale, but it's even more crucial in light of the reveal that Danny Reagan has moved to another city. Unless Baez has transferred with him, which is highly unlikely, we can rule out the possibility that the two characters became romantically involved following the end of Blue Bloods. But hey, that will presumably be one of the "answers" Wahlberg has promised us.