After CBS officially announced Boston Blue, a new spinoff set in the same universe as Blue Bloods, the reaction from longtime fans was swift — and not entirely positive. Many were quick to criticize the direction of the new show, questioning whether it stays true to the core values that made Blue Bloods such a beloved series. In the midst of the backlash, one of Blue Bloods’ most iconic stars has spoken out to defend the spinoff and offer some perspective.

 A Controversial Spinoff From the Start

Boston Blue aims to explore the lives of police officers in Boston, branching off from the original Blue Bloods, which focused on the Reagan family’s multigenerational legacy in New York City’s NYPD. While CBS hoped to expand the universe and bring in fresh stories, many fans felt the concept strayed too far from the heart of the original show.

Critics online voiced concerns over the absence of the Reagan family, the shift in tone, and the potential lack of the strong moral and familial themes that defined Blue Bloods.

 Donnie Wahlberg Responds: “Give It a Chance”

In a recent interview with TVLine, Donnie Wahlberg, who played Detective Danny Reagan for over a decade, addressed the backlash:

“I understand why fans feel nervous. Blue Bloods was built on family, tradition, and a certain rhythm that people grew to love. But I think Boston Blue has the chance to tell a new kind of story — one that still honors those same core values in a different setting.”

Though Wahlberg won’t appear in Boston Blue (at least not initially), he expressed full support for the creative team and emphasized that spin-offs can grow into something meaningful in their own right.

 Why Are Fans So Upset?

Fan backlash stems from several key concerns:

• No Reagan family connection: Without a direct link to the original characters, many fans feel Boston Blue lacks emotional continuity.
• Tone shift fears: A new cast, a new city, and potentially a new storytelling style have led fans to fear the soul of Blue Bloods will be lost.
• Spin-off fatigue: After a wave of spin-offs across other franchises (NCIS, Law & Order, etc.), some viewers feel the trend is becoming repetitive and uninspired.

 What Do We Know About ‘Boston Blue’?

While full plot details are still under wraps, CBS has revealed the following:

• The series will follow a team of officers in the Boston Police Department.
• It will incorporate family and community themes — though not necessarily through a multi-generational family like the Reagans.
• The tone is said to be more grounded and contemporary, with a focus on modern-day policing in a new cultural climate.
• A release window is tentatively set for late 2026, pending production schedules.

 Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?

Although Boston Blue is facing early criticism, the involvement (and endorsement) of legacy cast members like Donnie Wahlberg may help soften fan resistance. If the writers manage to balance fresh storytelling with the values fans loved from Blue Bloods, the spinoff could grow into something powerful on its own terms.