Donnie Wahlberg has made headlines with his recent revelation about the filming of “Boston Blue.” During an appearance on “Andy Cohen Live” on April 23, he disclosed that he offered to cut his salary in half to ensure the show could be filmed in his hometown of Boston. However, CBS declined his request.
Challenges of Filming “Boston Blue” in Boston
Wahlberg, known for his role as Danny Reagan, explained that while some scenes are filmed in Boston, the majority takes place in Toronto. He expressed his deep connection to Boston, stating that filming there would have been a dream come true.
- Wahlberg’s salary cut offer: 50%
- Network’s stance: “We cannot film this show in Boston.”
- Filming primarily occurs in: Toronto
Production Costs and Local Response
Wahlberg highlighted the high costs associated with filming in Boston. He shared that the production team deemed it economically unfeasible to shoot the series there full-time. The local fan reaction also complicates the filming process, as tour groups frequently interrupt shoots.
“The duck boats would drive by, and fans would call out, disrupting scenes,” he noted. This fanfare makes it challenging for the crew to maintain focus while working.
Character and Show Overview
In “Boston Blue,” Wahlberg’s character, Danny Reagan, joins the Boston Police Department to connect with his son, who is also a police officer. The show features other talented actors, including:
- Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver
- Maggie Lawson as Sarah Silver
- Ernie Hudson as Reverend Edwin Peters
Renewal and Future of “Boston Blue”
“Boston Blue” premiered on CBS in October and quickly garnered a positive response, leading to a second-season renewal. Wahlberg expressed excitement about sharing the news with his castmates, noting that their emotional reactions made the moment special.
The series has become a staple, airing on CBS every Friday at 10 p.m. ET and streaming on Paramount+ the following day. “Boston Blue” stands as a testament to Wahlberg’s dedication to his roots, despite the logistical challenges presented by shooting in his beloved hometown.
