Donnie Wahlberg recently addressed the backlash over the recasting of Sean Reagan in the CBS spinoff “Boston Blue,” following the beloved character’s portrayal by Andrew Terraciano for nearly 14 seasons. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, the 56-year-old actor expressed the difficulties associated with this decision, which has sparked significant fan outrage since its announcement.
“Boston Blue” premiered successfully on October 17, 2025, attracting 8.86 million viewers. Wahlberg, who reprised his role as Danny Reagan, acknowledged that the decision to replace Terraciano with Mika Amonsen, who now plays Sean Reagan, was particularly challenging. “It was a difficult decision, certainly for me, and it’s one of the decisions that made me uncertain about doing the show,” he admitted.
Despite the complexities involved, Wahlberg highlighted the importance of ensuring the right fit for Sean in the new narrative arc. He lauded Terraciano’s class and professionalism throughout the transition, saying, “Andrew is a class individual,” and commended his graciousness during the process. The two even joked about future collaborations, showcasing a supportive relationship.
Wahlberg also showered praise on Amonsen, asserting that he brought a similar level of professionalism and respect for the legacy of the character. “I have to say, Mika has the same level of grace and class that Andrew showed,” he added, indicating that Amonsen approached the role with depth and thoughtfulness.
In light of the fan disappointment regarding the changes, Wahlberg encouraged viewers to remain open-minded about the spinoff. “People’s disappointment in the decision tells me they haven’t watched the show or they’re also disappointed that ‘Blue Bloods’ is gone,” he reasoned. He passionately defended the new series, assuring fans that no one was more heartbroken over the change than he was. “I fought tooth and nail to save ‘Blue Bloods.’ I did everything I could, and now we’re on to this,” he expressed.
Wahlberg remains optimistic about gaining the fans’ trust in the new show, pointing to upcoming episodes as a testament of quality. He expressed excitement about the midseason premiere, calling it his favorite episode thus far. Furthermore, the network has hinted at the possibility of cameos from previous “Blue Bloods” cast members, potentially including Tony Terraciano, who portrayed Sean’s older brother Jack in the series.
As “Boston Blue” strives to build its own legacy, it’s clear that Wahlberg is committed to ensuring the spinoff resonates with both longtime fans of “Blue Bloods” and new audiences. The future looks promising for this evolving franchise.