- CBS launches “Boston Blue,” a direct spinoff of the long-running hit “Blue Bloods,” led by returning star Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan.
- The series introduces a new law enforcement family, the Silvers, featuring Sonequa Martin-Green (“Star Trek: Discovery”) as Detective Lena Silver.
- Early reviews indicate the show adheres closely to the original’s formula, including the signature family dinners, raising concerns it may be too much of a carbon copy.
- A new partnership between Danny Reagan and Lena Silver suggests a potential shift, leaving fans to question the future of his relationship with Maria Baez.
Familiar Bloodlines in a New City
The Reagan family legacy is far from over. In CBS’s new spinoff, “Boston Blue,” the world of “Blue Bloods” expands, but the core formula remains firmly intact. The series sees Donnie Wahlberg reprise his role as Danny Reagan, who is drawn to Boston after his son, Sean (now played by Mika Amonsen), is critically injured in the line of duty as a rookie officer.
This tragic event introduces Danny—and viewers—to the Silvers, Boston’s equivalent of the Reagans. The family is a powerhouse of law and order, led by matriarch and District Attorney Mae (Gloria Reuben) and her police superintendent daughter, Sarah (Maggie Lawson). At the center of the action is Sonequa Martin-Green’s character, Lena Silver, a sharp Boston PD detective who quickly finds herself working alongside Danny.
A Formula You Can’t Escape
For fans of the original, “Boston Blue” will feel incredibly familiar. The show wastes no time in establishing its roots, featuring not one but two family dinner scenes in the premiere episode. This signature element of “Blue Bloods” is meant to ease the transition, but it also highlights the show’s biggest risk: being a carbon copy rather than a fresh take. One critique pointed out the awkward timing of a dinner invitation for Danny while his son’s condition was still touch-and-go, a moment that stretched believability.
A New Partnership and Lingering Questions
Just as he did with his partner Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), Danny falls into an easy rhythm of banter and teamwork with Detective Lena Silver. Their immediate chemistry lays the groundwork for a new central partnership, but it also leaves a major question unanswered: What does this mean for Baez? The spinoff seems poised to replace Danny’s long-standing professional and budding romantic relationship, a move that could alienate loyal fans.
A Powerhouse Cast and Crew
Despite concerns about its derivative nature, “Boston Blue” boasts a formidable cast. Seasoned actors like Gloria Reuben and Ernie Hudson (who plays the family’s patriarch, Reverend Peters) bring a grounded presence to the series. The addition of Sonequa Martin-Green is a significant draw, promising compelling interactions with Wahlberg’s established character.
With a team of producers including Jerry Bruckheimer and Wahlberg himself, the show has a proven track record of success behind it. The ultimate test will be whether “Boston Blue” can leverage its strong cast and familiar framework to tell emotionally resonant stories that stand on their own, or if it will remain in the shadow of its predecessor.
“Boston Blue” premieres Friday, Oct. 17, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.