‘Boston Blue’ Star Donnie Wahlberg Says ‘Blue Bloods’ Reunions are ‘Healing’ After Show’s Cancellation

Donnie Wahlberg teared up in a new interview as he reflected on former Blue Bloods costars of his joining him on the spinoff Boston Blue.

Wahlberg told Entertainment Weekly it’s been a dream for Will Estes, Bridget Moynihan, Marisa Ramirez, and Len Cariou to return to play Jamie Reagan, Erin Reagan, Maria Baez, and Henry Reagan, respectively.

“That willingness for the old cast to come and be part of the new cast is wonderful,” he said. “The way the new cast embraces the old cast is wonderful. And I just get to sit back and — I’m gonna get emotional, bro. I’m sorry.”

Welling up with tears, Wahlberg continued: “It’s really special. I’m very, very fortunate to have been part of Blue Bloods and equally as fortunate to be part of this show.”

@entertainment_weekly Donnie Wahlberg is filled with emotion over his former ‘Blue Bloods’ costars and new ‘Boston Blue’ costars embracing each other. 🥹 “I’m so grateful that we’ve gotten to honor the shoulders we stand on with this show,” the actor tells EW of the CBS spinoff, which premieres its second season on Oct. 9. #BostonBlue #BlueBloods #DonnieWahlberg ♬ original sound – Entertainment Weekly

Even though Boston Blue creators Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolisdidn’t work on Blue Bloods, Wahlberg said he sees the duo “beaming” when a franchise veteran like Cariou walks on set: “They understand what it means to the audience and what it means to these people, these actors. You know, it’s a big part of our lives, these characters.”

He added, “There’s nothing like looking over at Brandon Sonnier and the two of us have tears in our eyes, you know, after a take watching Will or Len or somebody. It’s just so moving, and I’m so grateful that we’ve gotten to honor the shoulders we stand on with this show.”

As Boston Blue Season 2 continues on CBS on Friday nights, Blue Bloodsfans will see Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan “unpack some things” with brother Jamie when Estes makes his long-awaited debut on the spinoff.

“It was very special for Will and I, and equally special for Danny and Jamie,” Wahlberg said. “The stuff they discuss and explore is very surprising, very vulnerable. I think in some ways it’s like watching Will and Donnie heal, you know?”

And speaking of catharsis, Boston Blue guest spots give Blue Bloodsactors some emotional first aid following that show’s cancellation, according to Wahlberg.“When [Blue Bloods] finally ended, I don’t think any of us were truly ready for it,” he explained. “I think when some of the guest actors get to come back and play these characters again, there’s something healing that happens.”

Boston Blue, Fridays, 10/9c, CBS