Sonequa Martin-Green is joining the cast of Boston Blue, CBS’ upcoming drama that expands the universe of the long-running procedural series Blue Bloods. The actress, best known for her role as Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery, will star opposite Donnie Wahlberg, who reprises his iconic role as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan.
Boston Blue, developed by writers Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis, brings a fresh chapter to the Blue Bloods legacy. The series follows a family of police officers in Boston, with Martin-Green playing Detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. She is partnered with Danny Reagan, who has relocated to Boston after years of serving with the NYPD. The new dynamic promises to combine the established world of Blue Bloods with a new family and a distinct Bostonian backdrop.
The announcement was made during a CBS press briefing on Wednesday, where Wahlberg and Martin-Green introduced the new series. “I’m super excited for this partnership,” Martin-Green shared, referencing her role as Detective Lena Peters. “We love the Reagans. We have all loved the Reagans for so long. Being able to work with Danny Reagan in Boston Blue feels like an exciting opportunity to introduce a new family to audiences. I’m so glad to be back in the CBS family.”
Interestingly, Boston Blue was not initially envisioned as a Blue Bloods spinoff. The project began with Sonnier and Margolis pitching a drama called Jamaica Plain—a story about a family of police officers in Boston. The script gained traction quickly, and CBS recognized the potential to integrate it into the Blue Bloods universe. This led to the decision to bring Danny Reagan into the mix, cementing Boston Blue as an official extension of the beloved procedural series.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the years on Blue Bloods,” Wahlberg said at the press conference. “We’re working hard on this universe to ensure that Blue Bloods fans will be thrilled. At the same time, Boston Blue is a new world, with fresh stories and characters for a whole new set of viewers to discover.”
The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, with Wahlberg serving as an executive producer. Sonnier and Margolis, who are known for their work on S.W.A.T., will showrun and executive produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and KristieAnne Reed.
Backstory on Blue Bloods and Its Impact
Blue Bloods has become a staple of American television since it premiered on CBS in 2010. The series, centered around the Reagan family—a multi-generational clan of law enforcement officers—has built a loyal fanbase over its 14 seasons. The show highlights not only the challenges faced by members of law enforcement but also the values of family, duty, and justice. Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Frank Reagan, the family patriarch, and Donnie Wahlberg’s portrayal of Danny Reagan have been central to its enduring success.
Over the years, CBS explored spinoff ideas, such as one where Danny Reagan relocates to Texas or a version focused on Tom Selleck’s character. However, Boston Blue will mark the first Blue Bloods offshoot to introduce new characters, while still preserving the essence of the Reagan family.
Martin-Green’s casting marks a significant moment in the expansion of this universe. Known for her standout performances in Star Trek: Discovery and The Walking Dead, Martin-Green brings a new dimension to the Blue Bloods world as Detective Peters, a strong-willed officer with deep family roots in law enforcement.
As Boston Blue prepares for its fall debut, CBS is set to bring a fresh perspective to a familiar universe, keeping the traditional Blue Bloods spirit alive while introducing viewers to new stories and characters. Fans of Blue Bloods can look forward to seeing Danny Reagan’s journey continue, while also discovering the compelling dynamics of the Peters family.
Boston Blue is set to debut in the fall of 2025.