The buzz surrounding Boston Blue, the eagerly awaited spinoff of Blue Bloods, is growing, especially with its recent cast announcements. However, the shadow of Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck, looms large, as his absence raises questions about the show’s ability to capture the essence of its predecessor. Frank’s unwavering principles were integral to the rich tapestry of the original series, combining family values with police work. The iconic Reagan family dinners, where faith and family fused seamlessly, set Blue Bloods apart from typical police procedurals.
Despite its enduring popularity across 14 seasons, CBS officially canceled Blue Bloods in 2025. Nonetheless, a spinoff was announced in March 2025, featuring Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) relocating to Boston to collaborate with the daughter of a respected law enforcement family. Currently, Danny is the only Reagan slated to return in this new series, sparking speculation about how the family dynamics will be preserved in a fresh and compelling narrative.
Ernie Hudson Will Play Sonequa Martin-Green’s Grandfather, Reverend Peters
The Ghostbusters Star Will Play The Family Patriarch
Ernie Hudson has been cast as Reverend Peters, the head of the Silver family, a well-respected line in Boston law enforcement (via Entertainment Weekly). He is characterized as a Baptist pastor and pivotal figure in the community. Although further details are scant, Reverend Peters is set to have at least one daughter and two granddaughters in the storyline. Lena (Sonequa Martin-Green), one of the daughters, will partner with Danny, while her stepsister Sarah (Maggie Lawson) assumes a supervisory role with the Boston PD. Additionally, a rookie cop and one of the daughters will be portrayed as the district attorney.
Interestingly, Reverend Peters bears resemblance to several characters from Blue Bloods, albeit not directly to Frank Reagan. His role as a pastor aligns him with characters like Archbishop Kevin Kearns (Stacy Keach), though their religious backgrounds differ significantly. More directly, Peters may serve as a modern analog to Henry Reagan, portrayed by Len Cariou.
Boston Blue’s Reverend Peters Sounds More Like Henry Reagan Than Tom Selleck’s Frank
He Is A Beloved Grandfather Who Is Not An Active Cop
While the patriarch role evokes Frank Reagan’s authority, Reverend Peters aligns more closely with Henry, serving as a respected grandfather within a notable law enforcement family. Unlike Frank, who had an active role in policing as a retired commissioner, Peters’s occupational commitment as a pastor suggests minimal direct involvement with the daily operations of the Boston PD.
Danny’s Spinoff Reclaims 1 Specific Blue Bloods Signature Trait That CBS Failed To Replicate
The plans for Boston Blue include at least one of the things Blue Bloods did that made the show a phenomenal success for the past 14 years.
While Frank Reagan wielded considerable power both in his personal and professional lives, he often faced conflict for his principled stands, especially regarding the NYPD’s political dealings. This character often navigated tense family dynamics, striving to maintain peace during Sunday dinners despite the professional tensions at play.
Why Boston Blue Still Needs A Frank Reagan Type Of Character
Frank’s Presence Was An Important Part of Blue Bloods’ Success
Blue Bloods’ Frank Reagan is arguably irreplaceable. His unwavering integrity and principled nature were vital elements of the show’s allure, making the task of crafting a compelling sequel challenging without his presence. However, given the show’s premise, it seems unlikely that Frank will be featured prominently in Boston Blue, primarily due to his role as NYPD commissioner and Tom Selleck’s high salary demands.
If CBS intends to keep the spirit of Blue Bloods alive, the new series must avoid bland characterizations in favor of memorable, strong figures with distinct personalities that encourage conflict, much like Frank did. Generic characters serving in law enforcement simply won’t suffice. The show needs a commanding presenceâ€â€someone whose strong opinions can propel the narrative forwards without descending into unlikability.
Additionally, the intertwining of political narratives helped Blue Bloods portray the NYPD as an honorable institution, appealing to those in law enforcement. Boston Blue could mirror this by crafting storylines that resonate with viewers and paint the Boston PD in a positive light. Sarah’s role as Supervisor must match the weight and responsibility of Frank’s Commissioner job, or a comparable character must step into that leadership void.
Source: Entertainment Weekly