The upcoming Blue Bloods spin-off Boston Blue features a weekly Shabbat dinner instead of the original series' Sunday meal. Co-showrunner Brandon Sonnier based the change on his own experiences as a Black convert to Judaism married to a white Jewish woman.
Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, teams with Detective Lena Silver, portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green, in the new series. Their family gatherings center on a Friday evening Shabbat meal that reflects the Silver family's multi-racial and multi-faith background.
Sonnier, who converted to Judaism after a Catholic upbringing, explained the decision in comments to Emmy Magazine. "This is the world that we live in," he said. "I loved Blue Bloods, I watched Blue Bloods, but I also sit around a table with my white Jewish wife. I have children who are of mixed race, who are being raised Jewish."
In the show, Lena converts to Judaism to honor her late stepfather. Her mother previously converted, while her grandfather remains a Baptist minister. Sonnier noted that the approach honors the Blue Bloods legacy while presenting varied perspectives on justice, morality, duty, and service around the table.