Why Danny Reagan Is Leading the Blue Bloods Spinoff—Even If Jamie and Joe Seemed More Primed for the Future
CBS has officially confirmed its first Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue, centering on Donnie Wahlberg’s character, Danny Reagan. The decision has sparked both excitement and confusion among fans, especially since other Reagan family members—particularly Jamie and Joe—seemed to have more compelling paths set up in the series finale.
Blue Bloods wrapped up its 14-season run as one of CBS’s most beloved dramas, with strong ratings and a loyal fanbase that even launched a campaign to save the series following its cancellation. At its heart was the Reagan family—a multi-generational NYPD dynasty navigating justice, morality, and family loyalty. Danny Reagan, the hotheaded detective and devoted father, was one of the series’ most central figures, consistently receiving major storylines. But when it came time for a spinoff, it was surprising that CBS chose to continue the story with Danny, especially given how the finale set up more compelling futures for other characters.
What We Know About Boston Blue: Danny’s New Chapter
In Boston Blue,Danny makes an unexpected move from the NYPD to the Boston Police Department. While this shift wasn’t teased in Blue Bloods‘ final episodes, the new series aims to retain the core values of its predecessor—loyalty, integrity, and generational legacy—this time with a fresh cast of characters in a new city.
Danny’s new partner will reportedly hail from another prominent police family, opening the door for a new kind of Reagan-style family dinner dynamic. It’s a clever way to preserve the structure fans loved about Blue Bloods, while reimagining it in a different cultural and geographic context.
However, the show is being developed by a new team of writers, and it’s still unclear whether other members of the Reagan family will appear or be referenced. This ambiguity raises the question of whether Boston Blue will serve as a true continuation or simply a spiritual successor, connected only by its lead character.
Jamie and Joe Had Clearer Paths Forward
In contrast, Jamie and Joe’s futures were clearly mapped out in the Blue Bloods series finale. Jamie and his wife Eddie revealed they’re expecting their first child and hinted at a move to Long Island, where they hoped to raise their family outside of the city. Joe, once the outsider of the family, finally appeared at ease among the Reagans, congratulating the couple and symbolically embracing his roots.
These developments created a natural setup for a sequel series that could have followed Jamie and Joe as they balanced family life with rising professional responsibilities. A dynamic spinoff featuring the two of them collaborating on cases—possibly while adjusting to suburban life—seemed like a no-brainer.
Meanwhile, Danny’s storyline wrapped up more quietly. He admitted to feeling lonely and asked his partner Baez to grab pizza, suggesting personal reflection but no major life changes. His sudden relocation to Boston wasn’t foreshadowed, making Boston Blue feel more like a network decision than a natural narrative continuation.
Why Danny Reagan Still Got the Spinoff
The most obvious reason for Danny’s selection as the spinoff’s lead is Donnie Wahlberg himself. As one of the most recognizable names in the Blue Bloods cast—second only to Tom Selleck—Wahlberg brings star power and an existing fanbase. He has also been one of the most vocal advocates for keeping the franchise alive, often expressing his love for the show and its audience. His dedication likely played a key role in convincing CBS to build a new series around him.
Wahlberg will also serve as an executive producer on Boston Blue, giving him creative influence over the new direction of the franchise. His behind-the-scenes role suggests a desire to preserve the spirit of Blue Bloods, even if the setting and cast evolve.
Though Danny didn’t have the most dynamic ending in the original series, his character still represents many of the conflicts that made Blue Bloods resonate—old-school policing clashing with modern expectations, moral ambiguity, and unwavering loyalty to family and justice. These traits give Boston Blue a solid thematic foundation to build on.
Could Other Blue Bloods Spinoffs Happen?
While Boston Blue is officially in development, CBS doesn’t currently have plans for additional Blue Bloods spinoffs. Budget constraints were a key reason the original series ended, and launching multiple follow-up shows would be costly. Although the idea of a “Blue Bloods Friday” lineup, similar to CBS’s FBI Tuesdays, has appeal, the network is likely reluctant to devote too much of its primetime schedule to a single franchise.
Unless CBS decides to explore streaming-only spinoffs on Paramount+, Boston Blue may be the only continuation fans get for now.
While Jamie and Joe may have had stronger narrative setups, it’s Danny Reagan who’s stepping into the spotlight for the next phase of the Blue Bloods legacy. And with Wahlberg at the helm, Boston Blue might just have enough of the original’s DNA to bring both loyal fans and new viewers along for the ride.
