Donnie Wahlberg is getting candid about the backlash surrounding the Blue Bloods spinoff, Boston Blue — and he admits he understands the frustration.
When CBS canceled Blue Bloods, Wahlberg says no one took it harder than he did. In an interview with Us Weekly, he revealed, “Nobody was more disappointed than me. Nobody cried more than me. I fought tooth and nail to save Blue Bloods.”
Still, the transition to Boston Blue hasn’t been seamless for all fans. One major sticking point was the recasting of Sean Reagan, originally played by Andrew Terraciano, with Mika Amonsen stepping into the role — a change that sparked criticism online.
Wahlberg admitted he initially had his own reservations but now fully supports the decision. He praised Amonsen’s performance, encouraging skeptical viewers to watch the midseason premiere, which he called his favorite episode so far. He also gave credit to both actors for handling the transition with professionalism and grace.
Despite early backlash, Boston Blue is proving its staying power. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series ranked No. 9 in total viewers during the first five weeks of the 2025–26 season, drawing more than eight million viewers — outperforming shows like Chicago P.D., Survivor, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
CBS has already renewed Boston Blue for a second season, with new episodes expected later this year — a clear sign that while the Reagan era may have evolved, audiences are still tuning in.