Donnie Wahlberg, star of the CBS spin-off Boston Blue, revealed in a recent interview that the show films primarily in Toronto despite its Massachusetts setting. He offered to take a 50% pay cut to shoot in Boston but was turned down due to high costs. Distractions from fans and city noise also played a role.
In an interview on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live, Donnie Wahlberg shared how he was initially excited about starring in a Blue Bloods spin-off set in his hometown of Boston. Producers pitched the idea as a dream project, but explained they could not afford to film there full-time. Instead, Boston Blue shoots mainly in Toronto, with only occasional scenes in Boston due to expenses exceeding even a full cast pay sacrifice, Wahlberg said. He recounted offering to return 50% of his paycheck, and even 100%, but producers replied that it still would not suffice for regular production in the city. The actor also highlighted practical challenges in Boston, including constant interruptions from duck boat tours blasting announcements about his presence. Fans would flock to him, along with extended family members, halting shoots, while background noise from honking cars and tour guides disrupted dialogue. Wahlberg described dailies filled with such distractions, making focused filming impossible. Boston Blue, which premiered on October 17, 2025, features Wahlberg reprising his role as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan, now with the Boston Police Department to stay near his son, rookie officer Sean, played by Mika Amonsen. Danny partners with Detective Lena Silver, portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green, from a prominent law enforcement family including Boston District Attorney Mae Silver (Gloria Reuben), Police Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson), Sean's partner Jonah Silver (Marcus Scribner), and Reverend Edwin Peters (Ernie Hudson). The series was renewed for a second season on December 3, 2025, with new Season 1 episodes airing Fridays at 10 p.m. on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ through May 22.
