Donnie Wahlberg is embracing his "next chapter". Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the actor gave fans a first look at Danny Reagan in Boston Blue – CBS's upcoming Blue Bloods spin-off, which is slated to premiere in the fall.
"So excited to carry on the tradition, to share so many surprises, to answer some unanswered questions and to welcome all of you — to #BostonBlue!" Donnie captioned a teaser. "The next chapter in the #BlueBloods legacy begins. I can't wait. See you CBS fall!"
A post which sent fans into meltdown, Donnie was quickly inundated with messages. "So excited for you and the new show!! And maybe some cameos," penned one. "Canny wait!!! I wasn't ready to say cheerio to Danny! Boston will be a cracking backdrop, too," agreed another.
Meanwhile, a third wrote: "@donniewahlberg Thank you for continuing this legacy!!"
© CBS EntertainmentThe response to Boston Blue has certainly been positive, however, there was certainly a bittersweet feeling, too, with many asking if the original Blue Bloods cast might feature.
"I wish it was the entire family. That's what made Blue Bloods work, not just one character," mused a fan. "Can't wait. I do hope some of the old cast makes some appearances. Still so sad that Blue Bloods has ended. Still miss it so much," noted a second. "Far fetched. He’d never leave his family," quipped a third.
Boston Blue's inception was first announced in February. TV Line confirmed that Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis had signed on as showrunners, while Donnie is billed as an executive producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Kristie Anne Reed
Deadline has also reported that the spin-off will see Danny paired up with Detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. A casting announcement for the character of Lena is yet to be revealed.
© Gregory Pace/ShutterstockAccording to the publication, Boston Blue wasn't conceived as a Blue Bloods offshoot. The story itself had already been pitched, with executives planning to have Detective Peters partnered up with a new transfer from the LAPD. After realizing that there was a wider opportunity to expand the Blue Bloods universe, however, the team approached Donnie.
5 suprising facts: Donnie Wahlberg
© CBS1. Boyband on tour
At 15, Donnie was selected to be the centerpiece of the boyband New Kids on the Block in 1984. After a brief split, the group reunited in 2008, and went on tour with Boyz II Men and 98 Degrees in 2013.
2. He has eight siblings
Donnie is eighth out of nine siblings, raised in Chicago, Illinois. He has spoken about growing up in a close-knit family, despite money being tight and not having a lavish childhood.
3. Blended family
In 2014, Donnie married Jenny McCarthy, and together they have a blended family. McCarthy's son, Evan, from her previous marriage to Josh Asher, and Donnie's two sons, Xavier Alexander and Elijah Hendrix, from his ex-wife, Kimberly Fay, make up the family.
4. Method actor
When preparing to play the role of Vincent in Sixth Sense, Donnie followed an intense diet, losing 43 pounds. He reportedly followed a strict meal plan of only eating steamed cabbage and drinking beet juice regularly.
5. Personalised pad
Donnie's 5-bedroom home in St Charles, Illinois, which he shares with his wife, features a golf green, a child-friendly pool with a grotto, and a large outdoor space for entertaining.
Regarded as one of CBS's crowning jewels, Blue Bloods came to an end in 2024, with the final episode airing in December. Cancelled after an impressive 14-season run, the network's decision came as a devastating blow to the cast, with Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan and Donnie voicing their disappointment.
© GettySpeaking with TV Insider last year, Tom – who played patriarch Frank Reagan – said he was "frustrated" and felt the drama's success was "always taken for granted".
When asked if the show would ever return, he previously told CBS News: "We're the third-highest scripted show in all of broadcast. We're winning the night. All the cast wants to come back. And I can tell you this: we aren't sliding off down a cliff. We're doing good shows, and still holding our place. So, I don't know. You tell me!"
© CBSWeighing in on the cancellation, Donnie and Bridget also spoke out on the Drew Barrymore show. Asked how they were feeling about the cancellation, Bridget replied: "I think everybody's really upset and sad, but also happy and satiated?" before Donnie chimed in. "More upset and sad," he declared.
